Datu Sadja

Datu Sadja coronet (Royal House of Sulu)

Datu Sadja is the title of the most senior titled nobility in the Royal Sultanate of Sulu. The English translation of Datu Sadja is "Excellency". The title of Datu Sadja is the equivalent of a European count. 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".

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, Chancellor, Secretary General, Gateway Chronicler King of Arms, or Chief of Protocol and Public Relations. 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 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 enjoy the honorary titles of Tuan (for men) and Sitty (for women). This Tuanship descends via primogeniture.^[1]

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