Bawa's recommendation for Emirship was announced soon after the death of his father in November 1919, he was formally installed by Hugh Clifford in February 1920.
[2] In 1935, the Ilorin traditional council had a crisis initiated by the protest of Mogaji Aare, the Baloguns and the Baba Isale, who were all reputable chiefs in the town.
The traditional council members were protesting the usurpation of their jurisdiction by some palace officials and Native Administration staff.
Originally a formally apolitical and trade oriented organization led by some traders such as Sule Maito, a cattle dealer, and Busari Isale Oja, a merchant.
The group became agitated due to perceived excess of the Native Authority, such as the imposition of a water rate in Ilorin township.