The Chairman of Saurdauna Fives Club, Engineer Muhammad Bello Bala, has called on all stakeholders of the North to intervene and protect the legacies of the Premier, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto.
The appeal was contained in a letter signed by the Chairman of the Club, dated 19th May, 2025, titled “Protecting Sir Ahmadu Bello’s Legacy: The Historic Fives Court At Arewa House, Kaduna”.
The appeal which was prompted by FCT News Gazette reports yesterday alleging that a former Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has sold the Sardauna Clinic and Fives Court of the Arewa house at a sum of N40m, and the money pocketed.
Part of the report read, “Arewa House, a historic research center and museum in Kaduna, is embroiled in controversy after allegations surfaced that a clinic within its premises, known as the Sir Ahmadu Bello Clinic and the late Premier’s Fives Court, were sold for N40 million by a former Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria. According to reports, the clinic and Fives Court’s new ownership is planning to demolish the facilities.”
Engineer Bala expressed deep concern over the development, stating: “We, members of the Sarduna Fives Club, write to bring to your attention a matter of great concern regarding the ongoing construction near the historic Sarduna Fives Court at Arewa House, Kaduna.”
“This Fives Court, built by the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sarduna of Sokoto, holds immense historical significance and nostalgic value for our community in Ungwar Sarkin Musulimi, Kaduna and Nigeria as a whole.”
“Given Ahmadu Bello University’s namesake and rich heritage, we believe preserving this heritage aligns with the university’s values, we are worried that the construction’s proximity to the Fives Court may pose a threat to its existence,” Engineer Bala concluded.
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