The Sinmilalama Lunguda Annual Festival, a radiant celebration of the Lunguda people’s rich matrilineal heritage, captivated attendees in Guyuk town, Adamawa state, on October 4, 2025, under the exemplary leadership of HRH Sir (Dr) Kuruhaye Dishon Dansanda II, the Kwandi Nunguriya and Paramount Ruler of the Lunguda Worldwide.
Organised by the revered monarch, the event drew traditional rulers from within and beyond Adamawa, including HRH Amna Shelleng Alh Dr Abdullahi Isa Dasong Balala’awo II, Chief Dr. Maurice Vunobolki, Murum Mbula, and Shehu Ijafiya, uniting them in a shared mission of fostering peace, unity, and cultural pride.
Held at the iconic Dishon Dan Sanda Square, the festival showcased mesmerizing traditional dances, music, and acrobatic displays, reflecting the Lunguda’s unique matriarchal traditions; Nigeria’s only known society where matrilineal descent shapes inheritance, kinship, and social organization.
Prominent figures, including Chief Dr. Sule Tekile (Chabruwa Nunguraba) and Senator Anthony Siyako Yaro, joined the vibrant celebration, lauding its role in strengthening community bonds and preserving the Lunguda’s ancestral customs, rooted in their historical migration from Yemen through Sudan to northeastern Nigeria.
The event is significant as a cornerstone of cultural and communal unity.
As attendees noted, the festival’s prominence highlighted HRH Kwandi Nunguriya’s mastery in orchestrating an event that not only revived sacred rituals like Sillalama but also bridged divides between the Lunguda and neighboring tribes, fostering peace in a region often marked by tension.
HRH Sir (Dr) Kuruhaye Dishon Dansanda II, whose five-year reign has been defined by visionary leadership, was widely praised for his dedication to cultural preservation amidst a demanding political schedule.
“Despite my constant engagements, this festival is a testament to my commitment to uniting our people and celebrating our heritage,” the Paramount Ruler declared, earning admiration for his ability to connect subjects and promote tranquility.
Attendees were effusive in their praise for the monarch’s leadership prowess. “HRH Kwandi Nunguriya’s organization of Sinmilalama is a masterstroke of cultural diplomacy, weaving together the Lunguda people and other tribes in a tapestry of peace and unity,” said a tourist from Bauchi state. “His vision has transformed this festival into a beacon of hope for our region.”
Similarly, Chief Dr. Sule Tekile, the Chabruwa Nunguraba, commended the ruler’s inclusive approach: “The Paramount Ruler’s ability to bring royal fathers and diverse communities together is unparalleled. This event not only showcases our heritage but also builds bridges, ensuring peace and mutual respect across tribes.”
Hajiya Aisha, a cultural enthusiast, added, “HRH Dishon Dansanda’s leadership is a gift to the Lunguda and beyond. By reviving Sinmilalama, he has netted his people together, fostering unity and pride while creating a platform for cultural exchange that strengthens our collective identity.”
The festival, enriched by the Lunguda’s unique traditions like Nyal-Haula and Zimbarka, reaffirmed the community’s resilience and cultural significance.
As the vibrant scenes are broadcast, attendees celebrated the event as a milestone in promoting cultural exchange and inclusivity, with HRH Kwandi Nunguriya’s leadership poised to leave a lasting legacy in Adamawa and Nigeria at large.