Datu Sadja ametlik peakate (Royal Sultanate of Sulu)

Datu ''Datu'' is a title which denotes the rulers (variously described in historical accounts as chiefs, sovereign princes, and monarchs) of numerous indigenous peoples throughout the Philippine archipelago. The title is still used today, especial ...

Sadja is a senior titled nobility in the Royal Sultanate of Sulu. It is subordinate to the Datu or Su-sultanun which is acquired purely by inherited lineage or formal relationship to the Sultan. The title of

is roughly comparable to European sovereign princes or

dukes Duke is a male title either of a monarch ruling over a duchy, or of a member of royalty, or nobility. As rulers, dukes are ranked below emperors, kings, grand princes, grand dukes, and sovereign princes. As royalty or nobility, they are ranke ...

while the title Datu Sadja can be analogous to a marquess or

count Count (feminine: countess) is a historical title of nobility in certain European countries, varying in relative status, generally of middling rank in the hierarchy of nobility. Pine, L. G. ''Titles: How the King Became His Majesty''. New York: ...

. The rights of the present day customary titles are protected by a special law in the Philippines known as " The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997". This law allows traditional leadership titles to be conferred, including the title Datu, in a manner specified under the law's implementing rules and regulations which was issued as Administrative Order No. 1, Series of 1998, by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples and written specifically under Page 11, Rule IV, Part I, Section 2, Paragraph A-C. The title of Datu Sadja may be granted for particular merits or achieved through appointment to any of the eight great offices of the realm: Wazir (Prime Minister), Datu Maharaja Adenduk, Datu Maharaja Layla, Datu Amir Bahar are the old great offices. The Royal Commissioner of the Royal Honours & Nobility Commission, Secretary General, Chancellor and Gateway Chronicler King of Arms are the new great offices. This list of offices has varied over time. In addition, the title Gullal of Datu Sadja is granted if a commoner has performed outstanding deeds or services to the Sultan and the Sultanate through a display of bravery or heroism. The title of Datu Sadja is not hereditary unless the Sultan, in any particular situation, decides otherwise. Preference is given to relatives of past Datu Sadjas. Only those created personally tend to keep the title for life, irrespective of any reappointments or resignations. The title holders hold the style of His Excellency (H.E.). Their spouses hold the title of Dayang and hold the style of Her Excellency (H.E.). The children of Datus Sadjas enjoy the honorary titles of Tuan (for men) and Sitty (for women). This Tuanship descends via the main

male primogeniture Primogeniture ( ) is the right, by law or custom, of the firstborn legitimate child to inherit the parent's entire or main estate in preference to shared inheritance among all or some children, any illegitimate child or any collateral relativ ...

Notable holders

Some of the notable persons who have been granted this title include: * Matthew Pajares Yngson

References

{{reflist Sulu History of Sulu Noble titles

Notable holders

See also

References