ROLES OF SAYYIDAT SULTANA OF CHOMA:

Introduction:

ACCORDING to Traditions and Customs of the ancient Choma Sultanate (currently Choma Royal Chiefdom) the Sultan (current titled His Highness Paramount Chief) marriage is a legal and Religious bond between the two Royals (The Sayyid Sultan/His Highness Paramount Chief and Sayyidat Sultana/Her Highness the Grand Queen) in order to ensure physical and spiritual wellbeing, to preserve social order and for the continuation of the Royal Family as well as human race in general.                                 

The late Sayyidat Sultana and last Queen Dowager of Choma Royal Chiefdom Her Highness Mariam (the Mother of Both, the current Paramount Chief Lukwele IV and his Deputy).

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Purposes:

IN Lukwele Dynasty the marriage is not limited to the gratification of physical and psychological needs, but has various other purposes.

They compare the security and peace experienced within marital union to a blossoming garden in which one can seek refuge through the ups and downs of life.

Experience too shows that the biggest asset of married-life is a sense of peace and comfort.

‘Mahari’ (Dowry):

THE powerful tradition and custom of fixing ‘Mahari’ (Dowry) had been prevailing in Uluguru for centuries in order to balance and strengthen relationship between a man and his wife.

In Choma Royal Chiefdom the Sultan proposes (marriage) to the woman from other Royal Family or None Royals, and offering her a token (gift) of love and appreciation.

Note:

IF the one who get married is Deputy Sayyid Sultan (currently titled His Highness Deputy Chief or “Lukwele Mdodo” in Luguru language) the woman proposed will become Royal Queen Consort titled ‘SAYYIDAT SULTANA WA PILI’ (Her Highness Second Queen).

She will be second in power after the Traditional Grand Queen (Sayyidat Sultana) in the Royal females of Lukwele Royal Clan, Royal family and Choma Royal Chiefdom.

Household Expenses:

ACCORDING to Uluguru Traditional and Customs, just like dowry, the daily household expenses too, have specific importance and laws.

The responsibility of the daily household expenses as well as the personal expenses of the Queen rests with the Ruler and Royal Palace. In no way is the woman responsible to any extent regarding these expenses.

In fact, even if the wife has a large amount of personal wealth, she doesn't need to contribute anything towards the household expenses.

Besides, the Traditional and Customs of Uluguru Tribe and Choma Royal Chiefdom (since it was sovereign Sultanate) grants women the rights to personal property, as well as the rights to earn and be financially independent; the man cannot exploit her or force her into parting with any of her personal property.

According to Uluguru Traditions, customs and family practical laws, if the husband doesn't give his wife Household Expenses, she can complain to the legal authorities (The Office of ‘Muhunga Mkulu’) and can claim her rights.

Thus we can see that Luguru Tribe has given great importance to the financial and economic rights for women.

Let us see why this aspect is given so much attention.

First of all, the issues of social wellbeing and prosperity are approached very holistically.

Based on what we mentioned earlier, Luguru people believes that, since ‘Mlungu’ (God Almighty) has created man as having need for a woman, it would thereby only be natural for him to take care of her and bear her expenses.

Secondly, a woman is created delicate and sensitive; a man should keep this in mind, and should consider that certain things that enhance the beauty and grace of a woman are among her basic natural needs.

Besides, in order for the woman to retain her freshness, feminine beauty, and self-respect, she shouldn't be burdened with social and economic responsibilities beyond her own choice.

Therefore, it would be in the interest of the whole family that the woman not be forced to take on unnecessary, stressful burdens of going out from the comforts of her home in order to earn a livelihood.

The Roles of Sayyidat Sultana:

SAYYIDAT SULTANA (Her Highness the Grand Queen) of Choma Royal Chiefdom is first lady of the Royal Chiefdom and first in power in women wing of Lukwele Royal Clan and Royal family.

·                 The Traditional Queen controlled the Royal females of Lukwele Royal Clan and Royal family to maintain the hierarchy within the Lukwele Royal Palace and Choma Royal Chiefdom.

·                 She is first adviser of the Ruler of Choma Royal Chiefdom and member of the ‘Royal Court’ (the Cabinet / Royal Assistants or Traditional Ministers).

·                 Other role of Sayyidat Sultana (Her Highness the Grand Queen) in the Choma Royal Chiefdom Traditional Governing System, is to have an eye on the social conditions, environmental spheres, and promoting peace and harmony in the general society.

Conclusion:

We can briefly conclude that; the Sayyidat Sultana of Choma has power and prestige like the reigning Paramount Chief in Lukwele Royal Family, Royal Clan, Choma Royal Chiefdom and Uluguru in General; the same to Second Queen under Deputy Chief office.

1977 in Morogoro: His Highness Ally Salum Bwakila Lukwele III,

 with Her Highness Sultana Mariam and the young Prince His Royal Highness Idrissa.