Anguwan Alkali This ward is located close to Anguwan Dan Madami. The ward assumed this name in the 19th century as a result of the appointment of several members of the ward into the position of Alkalai (judges). Prior to this development the ward was called Anguwan Katsinawa. This was because of the preponderance of the Katsinawa in the area.
We do not know precisely when the area began to be inhabited but there are indications that by the late 18th century the Dallatun Zazzau was well established in the area. His compound is believed to have occupied most of the area where the ward stood. The area possessed by the Dallatu included the fertile valley of Rafin Kamacha, which extended to as far as Tudun Jukun. The Dallatu is believed to be among the powerful Habe officials that fled to Abuja following the outbreak of the Jihad in the Birni.
The first person to assume the mantle of Alkali- ship in Anguwan Alkali was Alkali Abubakar Manga who hailed from Katsina. It was said that Malam Abdul-karim of Zaria requested Sarkin Katsina to send him an Alkali. In response to such request Sarkin Katsina sent Abubakar Manga to Zaria. He was believed to have been so much worried about holding such position because of the fear of getting corrupted and the consequences that would follow in the hereafter in case that happened. He was so overwhelmed by that fear that he prayed that might his offspring never assume such position. Thus, since then none of his family members became an Alkali. After the death of Alkali Abubakar Manga, the mantle of Alkali ship shifted to his trusted friend known as Mallam Abdurrahman. Mallam Abdurrahman was succeeded by his son Alkali Gambo. Alkali Gambo was borne during the reign of Malam Abdus-Salam and assumed Alkali-ship during the reign of Kwassau (1897-1920). When he was appointed, he was said to be holding court sessions at home that was why he was nicked named Alkali Umar Faruk and Alkali Yero (Ibrahim) the son of Alkali Gambo.
Other prominent families in the ward included the family of Rilwanu Lukman. The founder of this house, Walijo was believed to have come from Kebbi during the reign of Emir Sidi (18531853A.D). Two days after his arrival at the Birni, Sarkin Zazzau Sidi gave him a plot close to a twin pond. He later gave him his daughter Hasiyatu in marriage. She gave birth to Alkali Bakale who gave birth to Salihu. A house was built for Salihu, which is now called gidan Alkali Lukman. Malam Salihu gave birth to three children namely: Dikko, Lukman and Yakubu.
There was also the lineage of Gwagwa who was believed to have been a member of the Dallazawa dynasty of Katsina. Their movement to Zaria was associated with the demise of the Dallazawa ruling dynasty in Katsina. The group was led by three personalities namely: Sarkin Shanu, Bello and Dallaje. On arrival to Zaria they first settled at Tudun Jukun where the Gaskiya Corporation is located before their final movement into the Birni during the reign of Alu Dan Sidi (1903-1920A.D). Bello was said to have given birth to Ibrahim who is popularly known as Gwagwa from whom the house derived its name.
Gidan Galadima Salmanu was another prominent lineage. The founder of this house Ahmadu was believed to have come to Zaria in the company of Malam Abdul-karim one of the Emirs of Zaria. They were Fulani from Yandoto. They moved to Katsina as preachers. Their families were the Imams in Katsina before the jihad. Malam Ahmed gave birth to Abubakar who in turn gave birth to Salmanu who was appointed as Galadima by Sarkin Zazzau Sambo (1879-1888A.D).
Lastly, there was the lineage of Gangaren Tukurwa. They were said to have come from Ruma in Katsina and belonged to the family of Dan Waire. The founder of the House was Malam Danbako who was an itinerant teacher and gave birth to Malam Achi. Malam Achi in turn gave birth to ten children.