Story of The Sokoto Caliphate - Sultans, Wazirs, and Emirs 1804 - 1997

CHAPTER ONE
TH
GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO THE 19 CENTURY
JIHAD LED BY SHEHU USMANU DANFODIYO
Before talking about the achievements of the present administration in

Sokoto State under the able leadership of Dr. Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa (Garkuwan
Sokoto), it is necessary to look at how Sokoto came in to being. In this Chapter we
shall therefore look at how it evolved from pre-colonial days to its present state.
Sokoto Jihad is popular in the world history with details in the History and Culture
Bureau where most historical items are preserved. According to Professor Sambo
Junaidu, Sokoto history is very important to know; it teaches two things.
Firstly, reminding the Muslim Community about the gallant reformation struggles
which the Shehu and his disciples undertook under harsh climatic and difficult
terrain's, on foot, on horseback, on camels, etceteras. In their untiring task of reviving
and uplifting the religion of Islam, to serve as an excellent example to us all.
Secondly, to help in pointing out the sites where some of Shehu disciples
answered the call to glory and spot of the jihad where some faithfuls were martyred,
such as at Tsuntsuwa and Kirare, so that Muslims could visit them, pray for them, in
consonance with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), that visit to
cemeteries does remind us about the inevitability of death.
In addition, it also serves the purpose of teaching Muslims

to revere those leaders, whose very blood had fertilized
the soil of Islamic revivalism, establishing firmly the
Caliphates; these are people who pledged allegiance to
the Shehu and all those who helped him in his struggle to
purify Islam and establish the Caliphate itself.
The Late Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardaunan Sokoto,

started the process of identifying and demarcating these
th
sites and places relating to the 19 century Jihad. He built
and surrounded many with walls.
Some of the important historical places related to the
Jihad are listed below:-
41 The Legend of our time

1. MARATTA
This is the birthplace of Shehu Danfodiyo. His ancestors led by Musa Jakolo
left Futa Toro and came to settle at this place. Shehu was born in 1754 and when he
was very young his family left this place for Degel.
Maratta, which no longer exist as a town, is located in Galmi in Madawa District of

Niger Republic. It is not exactly established when people deserted the place, but
during President Seyni Kountche of Niger Republic trees were planted in the area to
preserve it. It is today a historical site surrounded by trees.
Maratta is situated some 7 kilometres off the main road from Magarya/Galmi
on the Konni-Maradi Road.
2. DEGEL
Shehu Usman Danfodiyo (R.A) was born in Maratta in the present day Niger
Republic in Safar 1168 A.H equivalent to October 1754 A.D. His family moved to
Degel when he was very young. Degel was a Fulani settlement and a great center for
Islamic Scholars living in Hausa land at that time. It was believed that Malam
Abdullahi Danfodiyo, Shehu's younger brother was born after their parents came to
settle at Degel. Malam Abdullahi was 12 years younger than Shehu and they were
born by the same mother, Hauwa'u.
Shehu received his basic Qur'anic Education from his father Muhammadu Fodiyo,
his mother Hauwa'u and his grandmother Rukayyat. His parents had played an
important role in the shaping and molding of his behaviour and character at a
younger age. He was brought up in a highly intellectual and learned community at
Degel.
It was at this place also that Shehu was taught advanced knowledge by many

eminent scholars of that time. He was taught Arabic and Literature by Usman
Binduri his uncle; Grammar, Theology and Tafsir by Abdulrahman Dan Hammada;
Jurisprudence by Muhammadu Sambo and Mahmud Bazanfare.
Shehu was taught advanced branches of Hadith and Islamic Sciences by famous
Compound of Shehu Usman Dan Fodio at Degel
scholars like Muhammadu Raji Al-amin, famous Mallam Jibrin Ibn Umar of Agadaz,
etcetera. Malam Abdullahi Danfodiyo in his book Ida'ul Nusukh after listing some of
Shehu's teachers he knew, went on to mention that there were many he did not know.
On several occasions, Shehu left Degel and went to some other places in search of
knowledge and spreading it. For instance, he left for Agadaz together with his brother
Abdullahi to study under Malam Jibril. He also used to leave Degel to stay in Zamfara
and Kebbi preaching and teaching.

At the age of 20, Shehu had already started teaching and calling on his immediate
neighbours of Degel and it's surrounding to practice the right tenets of Islamic
practices. From thereon, he went to various places in Hausa land within and outside
Gobir.
It was also at Degel that the light of Shehu's Jihad was ignited. He was very zealous in
seeing that common people and the down trodden were educated and freed from
ignorance. He was also very worried at the way the unjust rulers were running the
affairs of their subjects. Other Scholars came to join him at Degel.
Subsequently they were called “Jama'are Shehu” or Shehu's community. From that
time Degel and the scholars living in it became famous in Bilad al-Sudan. Of course
the Hausa Kingdom of Gobir regarded Degel and its community as a threat to their
sovereignty and supremacy.
It was at Degel that Shehu once informed the Jama'are that he had memorized the
annotation Sharh of Mukhtasar of Al-Kharrashi, which became as easy to him as
reciting Al-Fatihah. This was reported in Waziri Gidado's book Raud Al-Janani.
At Degel many of Shehu's senior children were born and the tombs of some
members of his family, his teachers and the neighbors could be seen. They include
the tomb of his father Muhammadu Fodiyo, Shehu's senior wife Maimunatu (Nana
Asma'u's mother), his eldest son Muhammadu Sa'ad; another son, Umar, his teacher
Mahmudu Bazanfare; Waziri Gidado's parents etc.
During his scholarly days at Degel, Shehu lived in his house, which included his
school, his meeting place and was surrounded by many of his relatives, teachers and
neighbors. In his book Raud Al-Janani, Waziri Gidado described Shehu's
neighbours at Degel, to include:

(a. By the East, Muhammadu Kwairanga, Umaru Dumama, Muhammadu,
Gabdo, Mammadi, etcetera;
(b. By the North, his brother Abdullahi Danfodiyo, Almustapha his brother in
law, Abdullahi Mai Tayukka, ecetera;
(c. By the West, his brother Ali, his scribe Almustapha, Mallam Zangi, his
Mu'azzim Ahmad, Mamman Cibi, etc;
(d. By the South, his friend and close associate Umarun Mu'alkammu, Malam
Kaumanga, Suleiman Wodi, and Muhammadu Sambo.
After several persecutions and attacks by the Gobir rulers on Shehu and his Jama'a
he found it very unsafe to stay in the land of Gobir. Eventually on 19th February
1804, Shehu made what was called the Hijra Migration from Degel to Gudu, a
place on the frontiers between Kabbi and Gobir Kingdoms.
Shehu's Hijira was a significant turning point in the history of Sokoto Caliphate. It
was also in line with the sunnah of prophet Muhammad (PBUH) who made Hijra
from Mecca where he was being persecuted to Madina a safer place exactly 1426
years ago.
The most important reasons for the Shehu's Hijra was to defend his people and his
religion against the threat of the Gobir rulers. It would also enable him to practice
his religion and preaching activities without hindrance or molestation.
At Degel the Shehu's family compound was identified and surrounded with
stonewall during the time of Sir Ahmadu Bello Sardaunan Sokoto, who visited the
place from time to time in his lifetime. The tomb of several family members and
neighbours were also identified. Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora built the room, which
covers the tomb of Muhammadu Fodiyo, Shehu's father and Maimunatu, Shehu's
wife in 1983.

Degel is presently in Chimmola Distrct of Gwadabawa LGA of Sokoto State. It is
situated 4 kilometres from Chimmola on Kware to Gada Road and 14 kilometres
eastwards from Gwadabawa.
Shehu's resting place called 'gida' where he attended to vistors in Degel
3. FARU (ZAMFARA)
At Faru, there is the Shehu's house where he stayed for 4 years before he
made Hijra from Degel to Gudu. He came to Faru in his early years of teaching and
preaching. Before he finally came to Faru, Shehu spent a month in Dora (near
Bakura).
At the opposite of his house at Faru, Shehu built a mosque, which was rebuilt
afterwards with modern structures.

Presently, the house is being occupied by Sarkin Yamman Faru, Alhaji
Muhammadu Bello, a descendant of Shehu through Mu'alledi the son of
Muhammadu Bello. He is the custodian of the house and the mosque.
At the time Shehu was living in Faru, Sarkin Gobir Bawa was at Magami near Faru.
Sarkin Gobir sent for Shehu and the scholars behind him so that they could meet and
discuss some of the contending issues between them.
th
Shehu and his scholars came to Magami on the 10 of Zul Hajj on Sallah day. Shehu
gathered his people on one side after Eid prayers while Sarkin Gobir was on the other
side. The number of Shehu's companions was greater in number, it was said. This
development did not please Sarkin Gobir Bawa.
However, when they met and greeted, Sarkin Gobir offered Shehu a gift of 100
pieces of gold, but Shehu refused to accept the gift. Shehu stood up instead and said:
“Surely, I and my people are not interested in your gift, but I have 4 requests to
make before you:
(a. You allow me to preach and call the people in your domain to religion.
(b. Do not prevent anybody from accepting my calls.
(c. You should give respect to those wearing caps and turban.
(d. You should release all the political prisoners in your custody.
(e. Do not overtax the subjects.”
Sarkin Gobir Bawa responded that he granted Shehu's requests and permitted him
to preach everywhere in his domain. As a result of this, Sarkin Zamfara Abarshi who
was imprisoned in Bawa's prison was released.

Shehu then left for Faru and then returned to Degel his home where he spent 5 years
teaching and preaching. Presently, Faru and Magami are in Maradun Emirate of
Zamfara State, and they are not far from each other.
4. AGADAS
From Degel Shehu went to Agadas to study under Mallam Jibrila Ibn Umar, a famous
scholar in Bilad al-Sundan. He went together with his brother Mallam Abdullahi. He
came back to Degel and continued teaching and preaching. Agadas is now in the
Republic of Niger.
5. SHEHU'S HOUSE AT GUDU

Gudu is the place where Shehu and his community migrated to on the frontiers of
Kebbi and Gobir Kingdoms. Before Shehu made Hijra to this place, two of his major
followers during his stay at Degel, Aliyu Dan Jedo (who later became Chief War
Commander) and Mahmudu Gurdam (who died a martyr at Tsuntsuwa), had
already built a house for Shehu's family at Gudu. This was reported by Nana Asma'u
in her narration of Shehu's movements Habaruje Shehu:
“Sannan Alu Den Jedo yat tafi can Gudu Mahmudu Gurdam
sunka gayrta gida nasa.”
The house of Shehu could therefore be seen at Gudu. Shehu lived there for 5 months
and it was when the Jama'a were there that the decisive battle of Tafkin Kwatto took
place, which gave the Shehu's Jama'a a major victory against Sarkin Gobir Yunfa's
forces. The compound consists of huts of his wives, his school and his private hut
(Baraya). Shehu's mosque originally built by him could be seen at the opposite side
of the house.

Interestingly, during the time of the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Alhaji Sir,
Ahmadu Bello, the house was identified and rebuilt for posterity. It was again rebuilt
by the Government of Sokoto State during the bicentenary celebration in the year
2004. Alhaji Sir Abubakar Alhaji the then Sarkin Shanun, rebuilt the mosque.
6. FARU TREE AT GUDU

Under this Faru tree at Gudu, Shehu's Jama'a came after Hijra in 1804. The followers
of Shehu were alert and sensitive to the threat of the Gobir forces. As a result they
decided to choose a leader who would lead them in their cause. Eventually Shehu
was chosen and allegiance (Bay'a) was paid to him according to the Qur'an and
Sunnah. His brother Mallam Abdullahi was the first to pay allegiance, while Umarun
Mu'alkammu and others followed one after the other. This allegiance marked the
fundamental landmark in the establishment of what the historians called “The
Sokoto Caliphate.”
Now Shehu's community (Jama'a) had a leader, who went on to make major
appointments in the council. He appointed the Army Commander, Aliyu Jedo,
Sarkin Yara Husaini Borno, Alkali Malam Sambo, etcetera. The allegiance and the
appointments made several other jihads leaders from many areas to join Shehu at
Gudu and to prepare for their defense. It was here that Muhammadu Moyijo and
other people came to pay their allegiance from Kabbi.
In their several writings the Jihad leaders reported this allegiance. Both Abdullahi
and Bello reported these events, which took place under the Faru tree in Tazyin al-
Waraqat, and Infaq al-Maisur respectively. Also Nana Asma'u in her poem narrating
the movement of Shehu reported thus:
“Faru akwaishi ga Majalisa tasa kunjiya,

nan karkashi nai anka yo cappa tasa”.

This allegiance (Bay'a) is in emulation of what happened during the time of Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH) at the Hudaibiyya under a tree as reported in the Qur'an surah
48:18. Under that Faru tree Shehu conducted his preaching.
7. TAFKIN KWATTO BATTLE

After Shehu's Hijra to Gudu, the forces of Sarkin Gobir Yunfa felt much threatened
by Shehu's action because many people came to join him at Gudu from all over
Hausa land and beyond. The Sarkin Gobir decided to deal with the Jama'are. So
they came to a place called Gurdam and camped so that they could easily attack the
community at Gudu.
When the Shehu's community learnt about this threat, they decided to meet Gobir
TABKIN - KWATO LAKE near where the Shehu's Army offered prayers
after their victory in 1804 Over the Gobirawa. This lake
assisted the Shehu's Army to win the battle.

forces at this place. Before they left their home at Gudu, Shehu prayed for them and
placed the forces under Mallam Abdullahi. They came and camped at the lake called
“Tafkin Kwatto” to drink and water their few horses, before they proceeded to attack.
This was on 19th June 1804. Others who led this battle included Muhammadu Bello,
Aliyu Dan Jedo, Malam Agali, etc. The events that took place during this battle and
thereafter were severally reported both in Tazyin al-Waraqat and Infaq al-Maissur
written by active participants of the battle. Mallam Abdullahi reported that:
“Our horses were only 25 while that of Gobirawa only

Allah knew their number. We put our camps close to the
stream, we drank and we watered our horses and then we
confronted our enemies, we surprised them. The
Gobirawa were not expecting to face a severe assault because
they brought a lot of materials for comfort. Among these
materials for comfort were silk clothes; different types of
Brocades; several other food items like honey and chips.
They were in canopies ... eating meat. When we over
powered them they escaped and left. We took a lot of war
booty, among them was the King Yunfa's sword...”
This sword was given to Shehu's Army Commander (Sarkin Yaki) Aliyu Dan Jedo
whose descendants at Binji hold it in custody until to day. This victory recorded by
Shehu's army is considered by historians to be like the victory, which Allah (SWT)
gave to His Prophet Muhammad (SAW) during the decisive Battle of Badr between
him and his enemies, over 1400 years ago. (PBUH)

8. TAFKIN KWATTO MOSQUE WHERE PRAYERS WERE OFFERED
This is a place very close to Kwatto Lake, where Shehu's Army after their victory at
Kwatto, offered prayers and thanked Allah for their victory. This place was then
covered by Kirya trees. Those who offered prayers in this place included Mallam
Abdullahi, Muhammadu Bello, Aliyu Dan Jedo, Mallam Agali, Usman Gidado,
Muhammad Tukur, Mahmud Gurdam, etc. In 1964, Sir Ahmadu Bello identified the
place, built a mosque at the spot and planted some “Kirya” trees to commemorate
what happened there, in 1804.
9. MAGABCI
From Gudu, Shehu's community left for Magabci, a place near Yabo where he stayed
for 2 months. It was when Shehu was living at this place that he sent letters to Hausa
rulers informing them about the Jihad and inviting them to join him in the struggle. He
sent to Kings (Emirs) of Katsina, Kano, Zazzau and the rest of them. The “Habe” kings

of Kano, and Katsina refused to honour Shehu's invitation; they even tore the letters
sent to them. Only the Habe king of Zazzau Jatau accepted. The message contained
in the letters Shehu sent to those rulers were:
(a. Inviting them to assist him in the jihad.

(b. Support the truth and reject falsehood.
(c. Stick to Qur'an and the way of prophet's sunnah
(d. Abadon innovation (Bid'a).
(e. Refrain from anything against the Shari'ah.
(f. They should not bother about mischief-makers in the Jihad.
(g. They should not help his enemies against him, because destruction awaits
those who do so from Allah.
After he stayed for 2 months at Magabci, and his letters had been circulated all over
Hausaland, Shehu left for Kirare in Gobir. Presently, the ruins of Magabci could be
seen few kilometres eastward of Yabo town. The Shehu's Magabci is located about
35 kilometres from Sokoto on Tambawal road.
10. YABO
This is a town established by Moyijo, the leader of Kabbi Fulani and one of the
prominent Shehu's Flag-bearers and War Commanders. He was one of those who
paid allegiance to Shehu at Gudu and received a flag with the title of “AMIR KABI”.
Nana Asma'u mentioned Muhammadu Moyijo's role in the Jihad in one of her
poems in Fulfulde, which was translated into Hausa by her brother Isa Maikawre as
follows. She said:
“Kabi ta yi kai dai duk ga tanyon Shehu kau,
Moyijo ya zaka shi da dangogi nasa”.
At Yabo there is the tomb of Sarkin Kabi Muhammadu Moyijo and some of his
descendants. There are also some historical artifacts left behind by Kabi rulers, which
included “Rijiyar Moyijo”, the family palace built by Mamman Yalli and some war

drums. All the artifacts and the monuments are in the custody of the present Sarkin
Kabin Yabo, Alhaji Muhammad Maiturare II.
11. KIRARE
From Magabci, the Jama'are Shehu decided to leave for Gobir and so they left
passing through Sifawa and spending a night at Sokoto. At that time Sokoto was only
a small settlement.
Some weapons used during

the Jihad by Warriors.
They May have originated from
North Africa.
Some weapons used during the Sokoto Jihad

by Warriors. The original users
could be traced through the register
in the Museum

Shehu's community reached this place called Kirare near Goronyo. At this time,
some famous scholars and their followers formally paid allegiance to Shehu. Such
scholars included Mallam Muhammad Tukur Dan Binta (of Matuzgi) and Mallam
Agali Ba'azabine, although they had been in contact before this time. Nana Asma'u
said:
“Mamman Tukur da Agali nan hijirarsu tag,

Gamu kau da Shehu shina dada murna tasa".
12. BATTLE OF KIRARE

It was when Shehu was at Kirare that the battle of Kirare took place between his
community and the Azbinawa who were Gobir allies. Shehu's community lost some
of their followers during the fierce battle. They included some followers who
memorized the Holy Qur'an.
Muhammadu Bello mentioned in Infaq al-Maisur:

“Here at Kirare we met the enemies and started the war. When they
became weak, they sent for reinforcement from Sarkin Gobir. Meanwhile
among us one, Sambo Kabace withdrew himself and his people from our
command and fled. This action had of course empowered the enemies.
The battle continued until they killed many of our people including some
memorizes of the Holy Qur'an.”
13. BATTLE OF TSUNTSUWA

This is a place where one of the fiercest battles between Shehu's community and the
Gobir forces took place in 1805. In it Shehu's community lost about 2000 men.
About 200 of them were memorizers of the Holy Qur'an. Among those martyred
were the Chief Judge, Muhammadu Sambo; Standard-bearer, Sa'adu Maituta;

Mallam Saidu, a Jurist, etcetera.
Presently, Tsuntsuwa is near Sabon Birni about 5 kilometres from the ruins of
Alkalawa off the road from Sabon Birni to Goronyo.
14. SABON GARI ZAMFARA

Shehu Usman (R.A) decided to leave Gobir once again for a much more favorable
place for him in Zamfara. He spent a night at Jirwa and Rimawa and finally settled at
Sabon Gari.
He spent 7 months at Sabon Gari preaching and teaching. It was at Sabon Gari that
Malam Abdullahi and Aliyu Dan Jedo led Shehu's Army to Kabbi. It was also at
Sabon Gari that Namoda from Zamfara came together with his people to pay
allegiance to Shehu and to help him in the Jihad.
Nana Asma'u said:
“Dada Shehu yai wajje na Zamfara kun jiya.

Biko fa sun kayi dole don tsoro nasa.
Wajjen da bai bi ba anka watse ko'ina,
ga zama na Remuwa kunjiko nasara tasa.
Yat tashi nan dada yai zaman Sabon Gari,
jama'ar Musulmi sunka karu da so nasa.
Nan anka samu Namoda yazaka shi kuwa
yat tanyi Shehu hakika don bege nasa.”
Presently, Sabon Gari is in Bakura Emirate of Zamfara State.

15. GWANDU
From Sabon Gari in Zamfara Shehu's community moved to Gwandu. Before he
came here, Mallam Abdullahi had led Shehu's army to Birnin Kabi, the capital of
Kabbi and captured it in 1805. The Habe King of Kabbi Hodi was sent away and the
Fulani Jihadists took over the town. Gwandu was founded after the defeat of Kabi in
the farmlands of Sarkin Kabbi Hodi. Shehu and his community came and stayed in
Gwandu for 4 years. During this time Muhammadu Bello built its walls.
When the community was at Gwandu, major successes were recorded against the
enemies in Kabi, Zamfara and Gobir. This included the final defeat of Alkalawa, the
capital of Gobirawa. It was at Gwandu that the Caliphate was divided into two.
Mallam Abdullahi was put in charge of the western part while Muhammadu Bello
took charge of the eastern part.
At Gwandu, there exist, the tombs of Mallam Abdullahi Danfodiyo, his sons
Muhammad, Al-mustapha and his mosque. There are
also tombs of Liman Zangi and Mallam Kwairanga,
two eminent scholars who were with Shehu during his
days at Degel.
Inside Shehu's house at Gwandu, there is the tomb of

Ibrahim Khalil son of Mallam Abdullahi and many
other members of the community. Presently, the town
of Gwandu is the headquarters of the Gwandu Local
Government area of Kebbi State.
H. R. H.
ALH. MUSTAPHA HARUNA JAKOLO
The Emir of Gwandu
Descendant of Abdullahi Fodio

16. BATTLE OF ALWASA
Another fierce battle that the community of Shehu lost was the Alwasa battle. In it the
combined forces of Gobir, Azbinawa and Kabbawa were victorious over Shehu's
community. Muhammadu Bello mentioned that about 1000 men of Shehu's army
died during the Battle of Alwasa. Nana Asma'u also went on to say:
“Dada Azbinawa sunka taru Abungulu,

Attabu yakkai anka korai Alwasa.
Jama'a dada nan tayyi daga Hammada,
Yassan shahada nan da nan da isa tasa.
Hakanan samari masu yaji an kashe,
Zago har dada Duwa har Mojedo gama
Nasa”.
Presently, Alwasa town is in Argungu Emirate of Kebbi State on the road from
Argungu to Birnin Kebbi.
17. YANDOTO
This was a city under Katsina dominion, where some Hausa Scholars lived. The
Scholars were very famous all over Hausaland. According to Muhammadu Bello in
Infaq Al-Maisuri
“Many of the 'Yandoto scholars were famous but they did not accept
our call. They even drove away their people who had accepted us.
They included Alhaji Umaru and Malla Sambo Dan Ashafa”
Muhammadu Bello continued to mention his encounter with the scholars at
'Yandoto as follows:

“We camped near 'Yandoto and I sent Malam
Sambo Dan Ashafa that he should tell them (the scholars)
we had camped near their town but we did not intend to
fight them. We had come to meet them so as to understand
each other. Let us give them our reasons for the Jihad. If we
are right, they abandon their cause and follow us, if however
we are wrong, we abandon our cause and follow them.” When
Mallam Sambo told them this they replied: “We don't want to
meet him on any matter. We neither want to see him nor his
father both in this world and in the hereafter.”
When their reply reached Muhammadu Bello, he decided to fight 'Yandoto.

Consequently it was defeated. Bello stayed there for some days after which the town
was handed over to Sambo Dan Ashafa. Presently, 'Yandoto ruins could be seen
with Baobab (Kuka) trees on the main road from Gusau to Chafe in Zamfara State.
Some "Charm gowns" used by some warriors

as protection during battles.
The actual users are not yet identified.

18. ALKALAWA
This was the city capital of Gobir. It was built during the reign of Ibrahim Babari.
Alkalawa was said to have been built on the farmlands of Alkalin Zamfara when the
Gobirawa drove away Zamfarawa from the area. The city served as the capital of
Gobir for about 70 years. It was wide and surrounded with walls. From there the
Gobirawa went to launch attacks on their enemies at Zamfara, Katsina, etc. The
palace of Sarkin Gobir and other titleholders of Gobir were all in the city of Alkalawa.
It was indeed a city of pride and prominence when Gobir was at its peak.
During the early years of the Jihad, Alkalawa was several times attacked by the Fulani
Jihadists but failed to take it. It was in around 1808 when Shehu's communities were
at Gwandu that Muhammadu Bello led the victorious assault against Gobir and
finally conquered it. Muhammadu Bello narrated this encounter in Infaq al-Maisur:
“It was at the time of rains, then I sent out a message to my people
all over the land belonging to us that we should prepare to fight
Alkalawa. The people came out when it was harvest. We left for
Alkalawa. Sarkin Yaki (The War Commander) Aliyu Jedo led the
western command, Namoda led the eastern command, all of them
were under my command. We went and camped at Lajinge and
spent some days preparing. Then we moved on Sunday and camped near
Alkalawa spending a night preparing. In the morning Namoda took
over the northern side; Aliyu Dan Jego went to the east; Umarun
Dallaje took the west. We entered into the city and fought the Gobir
forces. Allah (SWT) helped us and we conquered the city with ease.
Sarkin Gobir Yunfa was killed so also many of his brave commanders.”

The news of the fall of Alkalawa spread all over the land. The enemies' zeal was
weakened and some of them sought for peace and this victory became remarkable in
the establishment of what the historians called the “Sokoto Caliphate.”
Meanwhile, Gobirawa fled to Tsibiri. The old city of Alkalawa now ruins, contained
some historical monuments. These include the tomb of Sarkin Gobir Bawa and other
Gobir rulers. There is also the ruin of King's Palace and Tafkin Kanu, a stream where
the heads of criminals were said to be dumped by the Gobir kings.
Presently, Alkalawa ruin is near Sabon Birni, the new capital of Gobirawa,
established by Sarkin Gobir Dan Halima during the time of Sultan Ahmad Atiku
(1859-1866). It is located about 5 kilometers away from Sabon Birni.
19. SIFAWA
Shehu Usman Danfodiyo (R.A) left Gwandu after some major victories recorded in
Kabi, Zamfara and Gobir and came to stay at Sifawa in 1810. He stayed there for 5
years. It was here that Shehu distributed some flags to his lieutenants. The houses of
these flag-bearers could still be located at Sifawa.
At Sifawa, Shehu was more engaged in writing and teaching. He wrote his famous
poems in Fulfulde called “Sitraaji” and “Tabban Hakika.” There exist today at
Sifawa, Shehu's mosque and his house, which contained the tomb of his sister
Maunumo.
At the outskirts of Sifawa, there is a tomb of saints who were identified by Shehu in
some of his writings. They were Suleiman Autadu and Modibbo Wamde Andal.
During the time Shehu was at Sifawa, his brother Mallam Abdullahi left Gwandu and
stayed in the town of Bodinga close to his brother. Bodinga was the administrative
headquarters of western part of the Caliphate given to Abdullahi before he finally left
for Gwandu.

Presently, Sifawa and Bodinga are 2 kilometers away from each other on the Sokoto
Birnin Kebbi road. The tomb of Suleiman Autadu could be seen on the eastern side
of the road at Sifawa while that of Usman Wamde Andal is on the western side.
20. SOKOTO: (SHEHU'S TOMB)

In the year 1815 A.D., Shehu Dan Fodiyo left Sifawa for Sokoto. He spent 2 years
rd th
and on 3 Jimada Akhir 1232 A.H. equivalent to 20 April 1817 A.D he died in his
house. May Allah be pleased with him, Amin. It was reported that Umaru Shehun
Nuri conducted the funeral bath while Muhammadu Sambo, led the funeral prayers.
His son Muhammadu Bello, who by the year 1809 had already built the Sokoto City,
had built the house of Shehu at Sokoto for him. The house of Shehu is now an
important historical monument being visited by people from all over the world. In the
house, after the entrance, a round shaped room would confront one, which was
Shehu's school popularly, called Jangirde Shehu. It is similar to the Shehu's school at
Gudu both in size and shape.

The house of Shehu at Sokoto is now commonly known as “Hubbaren Shehu.” There
are tombs of many family members, lieutenants and associates of Shehu Usman Dan
Fodiyo. These include the tomb of Shehu Dan Fodiyo himself and 6 other Sultans.
They are Sultan Ahmad Rufa'i Dan Aliyu, Sultan Mu'azu Dan Bello, Sultan Attahiru
Dan Aliyu, Sultan Muhammadu Maiturare Dan Ahmadu, Sultan Hassan Dan Mu'azu,
and Sultan Abubakar III.
There are also tombs of Jihad War Commander Aliyu Dan Jedo, and Shehu's friend
Umaru Mu'alkammu, Waziri Usman Gidado Dan Laima, Mallam Bayero Yola, and so
on. Among the females whose tombs are at Shehu's house are Shehu's daughter and
scholar Nana Asma'u (Uwar Gari), her sister Maryam (Uwar Daji), Aishatu, wife of
Muhammadu Bello, Maryamu Matar Modi, etc.
The Hubbare of Shehu Usman Danfodiyo is indeed a Historical Monument. It is one

of the most important Historical Monument in Bilad al-Sudan. It is situated right
inside the heart of Sokoto City. It had undergone various structural changes carried
out by Late Sultan Abubakar III and Late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Alhaji Sir,
Ahmadu Bello.
21. WURNO: BELLO'S TOMB
This town of Wurno was established as a military and strategic planning camp, (Ribat),
by Sultan Muhammadu Bello. He had earlier built a room in his house at Wurno and
made a will that he should be buried in that room when he died. This he did so as to
continue getting the reward of the (Ribat).
In the house of Bello at Wurno commonly known as “Hubbaren Bello” are the tombs
of many scholars, war commanders and family members of Shehu Danfodiyo. There
is the tomb of Sultan Muhammadu Bello and three other Sultans in the house. They
are, Sultan Aliyu Karami Dan Bello, Sultan Abubakar Mai Rabah Dan Bello. Others

are Mallam Almustafa AL-Torodi; Mallam Mukandam; Mallam Muhammadu Laima;
Galadima Doshiro; Alkalin Tambawal; Halimatu, daughter of Sultan Bello; Modibbo
Asma'u, daughter of Sultan Atiku and so on.
Similarly, in the town of Wurno, there are the tombs of Sultan Abdulrahman Dan Atiku
in his house. In the Waziri's house there are tombs of Waziri Abdulkadir Dan Gidado;
Waziri Bayero; Mallam Ahmadu, memorizers of the Holy Qur'an. There are also tombs
of Aishatu Dammaka, mother of Waziri Bukhari and Waziri Sambo, etcetera.
22. MARNONA
This is a place where Hauwa'u, mother of Shehu Danfodiyo lived when they left
Maratta. Hauwa'u died at Marnona and was buried there. There is her tomb together
with some family members. The Hubbare was surrounded with stonewalls during the
time of Sardaunan, Sir Ahmadu Bello. The Hubbare is constantly being visited.
Presently, Marnona is located on the road to Goronyo from Sokoto, about 30
kilometres away from Sokoto in Wurno Local Government Area.
23. ZOMA (ZAMFARA)

Zoma is the town where a very close associate of Shehu, Mallam Umaru Mu'alkammu
died after Shehu's Hijra. The news of his death reached Shehu when he was living in a
place called Rafin Samu. Mallam Umaru Mu'alkammu was the third to pay allegiance
to Shehu at Gudu after Mallam Abdullahi and Muhammadu Bello in 1804. He was a
very close associate of Shehu since their childhood days. He was a great saint and his
descendants hold the title of Magajin Rafi at Sokoto through his son Mudegel.
Although he died at Zoma, presently in Bukkuyum, now an Emirate in Zamfara State,

Umaru Mu'alkammu is being visited at Sokoto in the house of Shehu. In his book:
“Alkashf wa al-Bayan,” Waziri Gidado mentioned that Sultan Muhammadu Bello had
shown him where to visit the tomb of Umarun Mu'alkammu near the tomb of Shehu
Danfodiyo. He went on to state that,

“He even instructed me to put a
stone to mark the place for those
who wanted to visit him.”
That is why the tomb of Umaru Mu'alkammu is being visited in Sokoto.
24. MATUZGI
In this town, there is the tomb of Muhammadu Tukur popularly known as Dan Binta.
He was one of the greatest scholars, saint and a companion of Shehu. He paid
allegiance to Shehu at Kirare before the community made Hijra from Degel to Gudu,
although they were in contact even before then.
When Shehu left Gobir for Zamfara after the battle of Tsuntsuwa, it was said that he
chose to stay at Sabon Gari in the neighbourhood with two of his associates at Matuzgi
and Birnin Gada in Bungudu; that is Muhammad Tukur and Ibrahim Dembo
respectively.
Meanwhile, Matuzgi is now in Mafara Emirate of Zamfara State about 5 kilometers

North of Mafara. The tomb of Mamman Tukur is visited by Muslims from far and
nears.
25. BARAYAR ZAKI

It is very important to note here that there are two towns of Barayar Zaki that featured
in the history of Shehu. One is located in Gobir and the other in Zamfara. After the
battle of Tsuntsuwa, in the early days of the Jihad, Shehu stayed for some months at
Barayar Zaki of Gobir, very close to Alkalawa. It was at Barayar Zaki that Shehu
received the news of the death of his brother Aliyu and Mallam Agali, a prominent
Jihad leader.
Meanwhile, the other Barayar Zaki now in Anka Emirate of Zamfara State is where the
son of Shehu, Abdulkadir was martyred. This happened during the time of Sultan
Muhammadu Bello. Nana Asma'u in her poem Zurriyyaji states:

“Hajo nata Fadima dudda Abdulkadiri,
ya sam shahada Anka ya sam Afiya.”
26. BIRNIN GADA BUNGUDU

This is the town where Shehu Usman Danfodiyo was represented by Muhammadu
Bello in the distribution of flags to some of his lieutenants in the east (Zamfara,
Katsina, Kano and Daura) - Shehu sent for them and it was arranged that they meet at
Birnin Gada where the Shehu's circular was read for them inside a mosque. He urged
them to obey his instructions, follow the way of Sunnah, be firm and resolute in
decisions and expect victory in this Jihad from Allah. It was also in Birnin Gada that
Bello installed Suleiman as the Emir of Kano inside a mosque.
At Birnin Gada there is the tomb of Mallam Ibrahim Dembo Hamad, a great
companion of Mallam Shehu and of his students and a saint. Mallam Dembo married
Shehu's daughter Hafsatu, and one of their sons Hassan was martyred in a battle at
Hadejia in 1858.
Some of Mallam Dembo's children included Haliru, Ibrahim Dasuki and Abdulsalam.
All of them featured prominently in the battles consolidating the Caliphate during the
time of Sultan Muhammadu Bello up to the time of Sultan Aliyu Babba.
27. KATURU
At Katuru lies the tomb of Sultan Abubakar Atiku, the third Sarkin Musulmi. He came
back from the Battle of Tsibiri in Gobir and stayed at Katuru where he died in 1842.
Two of Abubakar Atiku's children became Sultans. They were Ahmadu Dan Atiku
(1859 - 1866), and Abdulrahman Dan Atiku (1899 1902). Umar Nagwamatse first
Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora was among his children.
Katuru is presently in what is now Shinkafi Emirate of Zamfara State, some 2

kilometres off Isa to Shinkafi road.

28. TAMBAWAL
Tambawal is situated at the southern part of Sokoto. Mallam Buhari Dan Shehu
Danfodiyo came to settle at this place and made it his administrative headquarters
after he was assigned to supervise the territory at the southern part of Sokoto. Mallam
Buhari and his son Umaru were great scholars and warriors and were both buried at
Tambawal inside his house.
Similarly, the tombs of family members are inside Buhari's house of Tambawal and
that of Liman Muhammad just at the eastern side of Tambawal mosque. The
descendants of Mallam Buhari are the District Heads of Tambawal, Dogon Daji and
Sifawa.
29. CHIMMOLA
During Shehu's days at Degel, Chimmola was only a small settlement. During the time
of Sultan Ahmadu Dan Atiku (Mai Chimmola), he decided to transfer his
administrative headquarters to Chimmola. As a protection against Gobir incursion
from the north, Sultan Ahmadu built Chimmola city walls and lived there until his
death in 1866. He was buried there and near him is the tomb of Magajin Gidan Kaya
Ibrahim and other family members. Two of Sultan Ahmadu Atiku's children became
Sultans. They were Sultan Attahiru Ahmadu and Sultan Muhammadu Maiturare.
Chimmola is presently a District in Gwadabawa Local Govenment Area of Sokoto

State. It is situated some 12 kilometers along Kware - Gada road.
30. KWARE
This town was given to Isa, the last born of Shehu Danfodiyo. He was called Autan
Shehu. When Sultan Muhammadu Bello captured the town, he installed his brother
Isa after the rebellion of AbdulSalami as the head of the town. The descendants of
Mallam Isa are the District Heads of Kware.
Isa was a great scholar who read Shehu's books and extensively translated some of
them into Hausa, Arabic or Fulfulde for the general understanding of the people.

Among his translated works are Raud al-Janani by Waziri Gidado, from Arabic to
Hausa, and Ma' am'are by Shehu Usman from Fulfulde to Hausa, etc.
The tomb of Isa and many other family members are now at Kware. Kware is about 20
kilometres along Sokoto - Illela Road.
31. SALAME
Salame is the town of great scholars and the seat of Islamic learning during the days of
Abdulkadir B. Almustafa. Abdulkadir was the son of Khadijat, the eldest daughter of
Shehu Usman Danfodiyo. He was among the most prolific scholars who had written a
number of Jihad literatures. Some of his works included the translation of Shehu's
poem on Sufism from Fululde to Arabic; and Habaruje Shehu by his aunt Nana
Asma'u in Fulfulde, translated into Arabic and named it Mausufat al-Sudan.
Salame is now a District in Gwadabawa Local Government area of Sokoto State. It is

about 18 kilometres along Kware - Gada Road.
32. BORMI (GOMBE)

During the occupation of Sokoto Calphate by the British in March 1903, Sultan
Attahiru I decided to move eastward towards Makka with a number of followers. They
went until they reached this town, “Burmi”. This flight was considered as Hijra. He was
being pursued by the British Commanding Officer, Major Marsh.
In July 1903, Sultan Attahiru was martyred during the resistance together with many
of his followers. The tomb of Sultan Attahiru is now at Bormi near Ashaka in Gombe
State.
Some of the family members of Sultan Attahiru I continued with the Flight until they
reached Shehu Talha in Sudan Republic, where they now stayed. Sultan Mai Wurno of
Sudan Republic today is a descendant of Sultan Attahiru I, of Atiku branch of Shehu
Danfodiyo family.

33. WUKARI
In 1930, Sultan Muhammadu Tambari was deposed and he was sent into exile to
Wukari. He died and was buried there. Some members of his family were also buried
there. Wukari is now in Taraba State, Nigeria.
THE LEADER OF SOKOTO JIHAD AND OTHER ISLAMIC LEADERS
Usman Dan Fodiyo

The great leader of the Jihad and the first head of the Sokoto Caliphate was Shehu
Usman Dan Fodiyo. He was born in 1754 at Maratta in the present Niger Republic. In
his early childhood, his family moved to Degel (near present town of Gwadabawa).
His family was already known for its learning for his father, even before Shehu's birth
had earned the Fulani name 'Foduye' meaning 'the learned'. Shehu himself was a
highly educated and deeply religious man who studied hard, preached widely and
wrote many scholarly books.
Shehu's preaching career began when he was only twenty years old. He was anxious
for the Islamic religion to be purified; as his call for reforms was intensified so also was
his followers.
After several persecutions and attacks by Gobir rulers on Shehu and his Jama'a he
found it very unsafe to stay in the land of Gobir. Eventually in February 1804 he
embarked on what was called the Hijrah (migration) from Degel to Gudu, a place on
the frontiers between Kabbi and Gobir.
Shehu's Hijrah was a significant turning point in the history of Sokoto Caliphate. It was
also in line with the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) who had made (Hijrah)
from Mecca to Medina, a safer place about 14 centuries ago.
After the Hijrah, Shehu was chosen as the Amir Muminin under a “Faru” tree at Gudu

thereon the Jihadist continued to engage the enemies in many battles, which gave
way to the establishment of the Caliphate. Shehu remained the inspirational force
behind the campaigns of the Jihad and he accompanied the Jihadist armies until they
reached Gwandu (1805). There he remained until late 1809 when he moved to
Sifawa.
By 1812 the success of the Jihadist, not only in the Sokoto area but throughout Hausa
Land and beyond, had made the Shehu's chief helpers: his brother Abdullahi (in
Bodinga and later in Gwandu) and his son Mohammadu Bello (in Sokoto). With the
responsibility of Government left to these men Shehu was able to devote himself to his
teaching and writing. In about 1815 he himself moved to Sokoto where he settled
outside the existing walls. The town was later expanded to accommodate Shehu's
house, school, mosque and many of his followers. He died in 1817 and his son
Mohammad Bello was recognized as his successor.

SULTANS OF SOKOTO
S/N NAME PERIOD OF PLACE BURIED
REIGN
1. Shehu Usmanu B. Fodi yo 1804 – 1817 Sokoto
2. Muhammadu Bello 1817 – 1837 Wurno
3. Abubakar Atiku 1837 – 1842 Katuru
4. Aliyu Baba 1842 – 1859 Wurno
5. Ahmadu Atiku 1859 – 1866 Chimmola
6. Aliyu Karami 1866 – 1867 Wurno
7. Ahmadu Rufa’i 1867 – 1873 Sokoto
8. Abubakar Mairaba 1873 – 1877 Wurno
9. Mu’azu Bello 1877 – 1881 Sokoto
10. Umaru Aliyu 1881 – 1891 Kauran Namoda
11. Abdulrahaman Atiku 1891 – 1902 Wurno
12. Muhammadu Attahiru I 1902 – 1903 Burmi Gombe
13. Muhammadu Attahiru II 1903 – 1915 Sokoto
14. Muhammadu Maiturare 1915 – 1924 Sokoto
15. Muhammad Tambari 1924 – 1930 Wukari Taraba
16. Hassan Dan Mu’azu 1930 – 1938 Sokoto
17. Sir Abubakar III 1938 – 1988 Sokoto
18. Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki 1988 – 1996
19. Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido 1996 to date

An Artist Impression of SULTAN ATTAHIRU 1
Sultan Muhammadu Bello 1902 - 1903
1817 - 1837 He fought the British in 1903 and later
Died at Burmi in Gombe State
SULTAN MUHAMMAD ATTAHIRU II SULTAN MUHAMMAD MAITURARE

1903-1915 (1915-1925)
He was the first to be installed in Black Turban with his
by the British Waziri Buhari

SULTAN MUHAMMADU TAMBARI SULTAN HASSAN DAN MUAZU
(1924-1930) (1930-1938)
He was deposed by the Colonial Government He was the First Sultan to Visit England in 1934
in 1930 and his grave is now in Wukari Taraba State.
SULTAN IBRAHIM DASUKI

(1988-1996)
He was deposed by the Abacha
Administration and now
lives in Kaduna.

THE WAZIRIS OF SOKOTO
S/N NAME PERIOD OF REIGN PLACE BURIED

1. Usman Gidado 1817 – 1842 Sokoto
2. Abdulkadir 1842 – 1859 Wurno
3. Ibrahim 1859 – 1874 Sokoto
4. Abdulahi Bayero 1874 – 1886 Wurno
5. Muhammadu Buhari 1886 – 1910 Sokoto
6. Muhammadu Sambo 1910 – 1912 Sokoto
7. Adulkdadir Maccido 1912 – 1925 Sokoto
8. Muhammadu Adili 1925 – 1928 Gigane
9. Malam Abbas 1928 – 1948 Sokoto
10. Alhaji Dr Junaidu 1948 – 1997 Sokoto
11. Alhaji Usman Junaidu 1997 to date
The Sokoto Caliphate

A Caliphate is simply an Islamic state governed by a Caliph or Sultan. The
Caliph exercises both political and religious powers. As the state's supreme head, he
holds the title 'Amir al-muminin (meaning 'commander of the faithful' and, in Hausa,
Sarkin Musulmi).
Historians refer to “Sokoto Caliphate” as that vast and diverse political entity in West
Africa, which was a bye product of Jihad struggle founded by Shehu Usman
th
Danfodiyo and his followers in early 19 century.
The Caliphate emerged by accident not by design. So nobody sat down and
partitioned it. It was in the process of defending themselves and their religion, some
committed Islamic scholars cutting across ethnic, class or tribal barrier conquered

most parts of what is Northern Nigeria today; parts of Niger, Burkina Faso Chad and
Cameroon. They toppled the un-Islamic governments led by despotic rulers and
replaced them with a just and humane society based on Islamic principles and
universal concept of justice.
The first Sarkin Musulmi (loosely translated in to English as Sultan) of Sokoto and
head of the Sokoto Caliphate was Shehu Usman Danfodiyo. All successive Sultans
have been chosen from among the Shehu's descendants. The Sultan had under him
various officials (the most important of whom was the Waziri) who performed wide-
ranging functions in the central administration of the Caliphate and who formed the
Sultan's court in the Capital.
The Shehu's most trusted lieutenants were awarded flags as symbols of authority and
representatives of Shehu in their respective areas. They were called the flag bearers.
They include among others Kano, Kebbi, Ilorin, Nupe, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa,
Hadejia, Kazaure, Katsina Daura, Zaria, Misau, Zamfara, Jama'are, Baghirmi
etcetera.
These various provinces ('Emirate') within the Caliphate were governed by Emirs'
who were appointed by Sultan. Each had its own internal administration headed by
its Emir. There were well-defined channels of communication between the Emirates
and the Sultan and the political ties between them were strong among the ways in
which these ties were expressed were the regular visits of the Emirs to the Sultan's
court, the payment of tribute and the settlement of certain important Emirate issues
by the Sultan. The descendants of those flag bearers continued till today as Emirs in
their respective areas of jurisdictions.
Throughout the Caliphate period, justice was administered by judges (Qadis) who

were appointed by each Emir within his own Emirate; the Qadi in Sokoto was
appointed by the Sultan and was the Chief Qadi of the whole caliphate.
The Sokoto Caliphate maintained diplomatic ties with neigbouring Muslims states
such as Masina and Borno. It also came into contact with European powers through
the visits of several European travelers, (Claperton and Barth being two such
explorers).
By 1903, the Caliphate was invaded by the British Colonialists. There were fierce
resistance by Sultan Attahiru 1 (12th Sultan of Sokoto) both at Giginya in Sokoto and
Burmi in Gombe. Eventually, the British took over the political administration of
Nigeria and the Caliphate was Balkanized into Emirates and later provinces.
Subsequently most of those Emirates became States in the Federation of Nigeria.
However, the Sultan of Sokoto maintained his status as the “Spiritual Leader of
Nigerian Muslims” and the most influential traditional ruler in Nigeria till today.
The Shehu's Family

Following the Shehu's death, his brother Abdullahi moved to Gwandu where
he, and later his descendants, administered the western part of the Caliphate with its
subordinate Emirates (Nupe, Ilorin etc). The rulers in Gwandu thus retained certain
independence within the Caliphate although ultimately they too were subordinate to
the Caliphate.
Meanwhile, the title of Sarkin Musulmi (Caliph) passed to the Shehu's Son
Mohammadu Bello. Thereafter every Sarkin Musulmi has been one of the Shehu's
descendants. The present Sarkin Muslumi (Sultan) is Shehu's great-great grandson.
The family branches retain their respective titles and stay mostly in the Districts and
villages established by Shehu's Children

The Sultan Bello branch of the family holds their respective titles at Sokoto,
Wurno, Isa, Goronyo, Dange and Maradun Districts. They have produced eleven
Sultans to date.
The Sultan Atiku branch of the family are based at Chimmola, Gwadabawa,
Tangaza, Illela, Gada, and Danchadi Districts as well as Sultan Mai Wurno in the
Republic of Sudan and Kontagora in Niger State. There were six Sultans produced
from this family.
The Sultan Ahmad Rufai Branch of the family holds the title of Sarkin Kabbi Silame,
at Silame District. They produced one Sultan.
The Buhari Branch of the family holds their respective titles at Sifawa, Tambawal and
DogonDaji Districts. This family produced one Sultan of Sokoto.
The Al-Hassan Branch of the family holds their title of Sardaunan at Marnona. The
title of Sarkin Yamma at Kware District is held by the descendants of Isa the last child
of Shehu Usman Danfodiyo.
The Jihad
Jihad literally means to strive or to struggle. It is war against unbelief or other
illegalities in the society. It also means an attempt to purity religion of Islam against
any animist or pagan practices and transforms the people into a just and humane
society.
The first major battle of the Jihad of Shehu Usman Dan Fodiyo was at Tabkin Kwatto
in June 1804 when the Shehu's armies defeated the forces of the Gobirawa and their
allies. During the military campaign that followed the fortunes of the opposing sides

fluctuated but with the victories over Birnin kebbi (April 1808) and Alkalawa the
Gobir capital (October 1808) and with the various successes against Zamfara towns,
the ultimate ascendancy of the Jihadist was established in the area.
Meanwhile, supporters of the reform movement carried the Jihad into the rest of
Hausa land and beyond. The leaders of the fighting in each area were armed with
the approval of the Shehu in the form of Flags authorizing them to wage Jihad
against the despotic Hausa rulers in their respective areas. Thus the old Hausa State
of Katsina, Kano, Zaria Daura e.t.c. fell to the Jihadist. In addition they formed new
Muslim emirates in western Borno. Bauchi, the middle Niger-Benue, valleys
(Adamawa, Muri, Gombe, Nupe) and in Ilorin.
However, even after their major victories, there continued within the area of Jihadist
rule pockets of resistance where the authority of the new order was never established
(e.g. Niger and the Plateau area) moreover, on the periphery of the area of Muslim
rule itself independent peoples, such as the remnant states of kebbi, Gobir and
Katsina-Maradi and also the Empire of Borno remained outside the control of the
Jihadist and continued to fight them for the rest of the century. Nevertheless, the
reformers' military successes were such that they resulted in the creation of a vast and
diverse political entity which historians have called the Sokoto Caliphate.
THE SOKOTO AREA

th
During the 18 century the area where now Sokoto town stands, lay on the
borders of the three kingdoms of Gobir, Kebbi, and Zamfara. Like the rest of Hausa
th
land, Islam had reached this area by the 15 century. Three centuries later there were
many Muslims but non-Islamic traditions were still being practised both by the rulers
and by many of their subjects.

A powerful reform movement emerged in the mid-18th century seeking to purify the
practice of Islam. The movement was led by Shehu Usman Danfodiyo but included
many other scholars scattered widely. All of them sought to achieve their aims
through preaching Islam and calling on rulers to govern according to Islamic
principles.
The rulers were not comfortable with the growing power of the reform movement
because it threatened the basis of their authority since all elements opposed to their
rule found in the movement a means for expressing their dissent. Failing to reach a
compromise with the movement leaders, Yunfa, the ruler of Gobir, threatened
military action in 1804 against the Shehu and his followers at Degel (near the present
town of Gwadabawa). Following the pattern of the prophet's flight from Mecca to
Medina, the Shehu and his followers decided on Hijrah (emigration) and so retired to
Gudu on the border between Gobir and Kebbi. Groups of scattered reformers and
their supporters from all over the area flocked to the Shehu there and formally chose
him as Imam of the Jama'a (community) and leader of the Jihad.
KATSINA-MALAM UMARUN DALLAJI

Mallam Umaru Dallaji was a scholar from Dallaji near Bindawa in Katsina. He
was among the prominent Katsina Fulani leaders who joined Shehu at Kirari near
Goronyo during the early years of the Jihad, along with other Fulani leaders
including Umaru Dumyawa of Salibawa at Katsina and a teacher called Na Alhaji.
Despite their internal disputes, all these three Fulani leaders contributed to the
downfall of the Habe rule in Katsina. Before Umaru Dallaji's arrival to take over
Katsina, it was reported that Dantunku (of Kazaure) had severely attacked and
captured several towns and villages of Katsina and Daura.

Several attempts to take Katsina were made during the reign of Sarkin Katsina,
Bawa, which were not successful. It took the combined forces of Umaru Dallaji and
Na Alhaji to defeat and kill Mahmudu who succeeded Bawa at SabonGari in Kaura
District near Katsina.
On coming to enter Katsina town the Fulani leaders were driven out for a brief
period. Umaru Dallaji defeated the new king Halidu with the help of Namoda at
Dankama (25 mile to the North East of Katsina), this finally destroyed the hope of
Habe kings regaining their power in Katsina. Halidu in the bitterness of defeat retired
to Gafai in Damagaram with his followers to join up with their kinsmen in Maradi
where the Habe continued as rulers until today.
Umaru Dallaji was therefore recognized as the Emir of Katsina by the Sarkin
Musulmi and his descendants continued to rule up to the time of the British invasion
in 1906.
The British met so many internal crises among the Fulani rulers and so decided to
install a compromising candidate after removing the Sarkin Katsina Yero of
Dallazawa Dynasty.
They found the 'Durbi' Muhammad Dikko of

Sullubawa dynasty a suitable choice. He was
installed as the Emir of Katsina in 1906. The present
Emir Alhaji Kabir Usman Nagogo is a descendant of
Muhammad Dikko Dan Gidado.
ALH. MUHAMMADU
KABIR USUMAN NAGOGO
Sarkin Kastina

KANO-MALAM SULEIMAN
A Fulani Jurist and Malam of the Modibbawa clan whose family came from
Borno, Suleiman was made the Emir of Kano after a combine Fulani force defeated
Alwali the Habe Emir of Kano at Dan Yahaya in 1805. Shehu's representative
Muhammadu Bello, just before the Jihadist attack on Yandoto made the installation of
Suleiman as Emir of Kano at Birnin Gada in Bungudu.
According to Tagyid Al. Akbar by Qadi Muhammad Ibn Salih there were five principal
Fulani clan leaders from Kano who earlier came to Shehu to receive flag. They
included the Modibbawa led by Malam Suleiman; the Yolawa and the Dambazawa.
All these groups were dissatisfied with the Habe rule in Kano. They joined Shehu and
obtained his recognition to topple Habe rule in Kano. Eventually Alwali was removed
by their combined forces and Shehu's authority was established in the area. Thereafter
Suleiman was recognized as the Fulani Emir of Kano.
Before his death in 1819, Malam Suleiman had already

nominated from another Fulani Clan Ibrahim Dabo,
head of Sullubawa dynasty to succeed him and Sarkin
Musulmi confirmed this. Thus the Sullubawa dynasty
continued to rule Kano till this day. The present Emir of
Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero is a descendent of Ibrahim
Dabo.
GOMBE - BUBA YERO

Buba Yero was a Fulani Malam from old
Shelleng in Numan District. His father was Kitije Fulani
and his mother a Kanakuru. His father was called
Usman and stayed at Lukumna to preach the religion of
Islam.
ALH. DR. ADO BAYERO
The Emir of Kano

Buba Yero in his youth travelled North to Bornu in search of knowledge and later
went westwards and found himself at Degel in Gobir and studied under Shehu
Usman Danfodiyo. After some years of learning he also become “Malam” He came
back to Shelleng to preach, but Gongom, the pagan chief of Shelleng was afraid that
pagan would rise up against Buba if he stated condemning their gods. So he made
Buba Yero to leave the town.
On learning of Shehu's Hijrah in 1804, Buba Yero set out to join Shehu at Gudu. He
received the flag of Gombe and came to start the jihad in the area.
He conquered many lands with the help of his Fulani kinsmen and crossed up to
Benue in the South and to the East of Gongola. He subdued the country as far as
Adamawa. In the North he joined with Misau to make attacks on Bornu. To the west
Yakubu Sarkin Bauchi firmly prevented expansion on his side.
His younger brother Hammaruwa had already established himself at Muri in the
south of Gombe and so after a conflict between
them, Sokoto intervened and made Muri an
independent Emirate.
Buba Yero died at old Gombe in 1841. He used the
title of Modibbo Gombe. The present Emir of
Gombe, Alhaji Usman Abubakar is a descendent of
Buba Yero.
KAZAURE - DANTUNKU
Dantunku's real name was Ibrahim. He was
H.R.H, Alh. Shehu Abubakar

The Emir of Gombe

a Fulani Chief originally believed to be from Egypt. He had helped in toppling the
Habe rulers of Kano, Katsina and Daura at the on- set of the Shehu Danfodiyo's
Jihad. He settled at Danbatta near Kano.
Records have shown that Dantunku was among the fourteen original flag bearers of
Shehu and the Emirate of Kazaure was created for him as a reward for his role in the
removal of Habe kings of Kano, Daura and Katsina.
The Emirate of Kazaure was created by Sarkin Muslumi out of the three adjoining
states. Kazaure was under Kano but on Suleiman's death in 1819 Dantunku refused
to follow his successor Ibrahim Dabo.
At sometime Dantunku attacked and raided Kano up to its walls. As a result Kano sent
a force to subdue Kazaure and occupied it. Meanwhile Dantunku's force drove off the
Kano army across the stream of Gujungu.
In 1824, to settle the dispute between Kano and Kazaure, Sultan Muhammad Bello
recognized Kazaure as an independent Emirate.
Dantunku died in 1924 and was succeeded by his son

Dambo another warlike Emir of Kazaure who ruled for
33 years. The descendants of Dantunku are Emirs of
Kazaure.
ADAMAWA - MODIBBO ADAMA
Modibbo Adama was a learned Fulani leader.
The Emirate of Adamawa took its name from his name
H.R.H.
ALH. NAJIB HUSAINI ADAMU
The Emir of Kazaure

“ADAMA”. Modibbo in fulfulde means “the learned”. Madibbo Adama belonged to
the Fulani Ba'en clan and was the son of Ba'ajo Fulani leader Ardo Hassan who lived
in the region of the upper Benue, east of Gongola at the end of 18th century. Most of
the Fulani in this area are herdsmen who had a large number of livestock in their
possession.
Meanwhile Adama left his home in search of knowledge in Bornu and Gobir. On his
return to his people from Gobir he brought them news about Shehu Usman
Danfodiyo in about 1805.
A small group of Fulani leaders were therefore sent to Shehu at Gwandu to support
him and receive flag including Adama. Because of his commitment to Shehu he was
given the title of “Amiru Yaman” or Lamido Formbina meaning the Emir of the south.
This happened in 1806. He came back to his people in Gwin and started the jihad in
the south east by sacking Bata of Demsa and eventually Mandara, Mubi, Moda,
Michika Uba, ecetera.
Further conquests were made and considerable size of land in kilba, Holma, song,
Malabu and the rest of them came under his authority. In 1841 Modibbo Adama
decided to build Yola and made it his headquarters. The
land conquered by Lamido was the largest ever won for
the caliphate.
The present Lamido of Adamawa at Yola Alhaji Aliyu

Mustapha is a descendent of Modibbo Adama.
ZAMFARA - ABU-HAMID
Abu-Hamid was a Zurmi Fulani of Alibawa clan
whose family led by Isau had came from Katsina to stay
H.R.H.
ALH. ALIYU MUSTAPHA
The Lamido of Adamawa

in the area of Zurmi, which was then held by Zamfara. At one time Zurmi was under
the dominion of Gobir, when the Gobir over threw and drove off the Zamfarawa.
The family of Abu-Hamid grew and clashed with Gobir during his grandfather
Kunkuru and his father Abu Muhammad. It was after the death of Abu Muhammad
who was succeeded by Abu Hamid, that the Alibawa Fulani joined the Shehu's
movement and at that time Abu-Hamid sent his cousin Namoda to fight for Shehu's
cause. This he did with highest commitment. Namoda took sense in many main
battles and made such a name for himself as a great warrior and he was rewarded by
Shehu with a flag and left to found his own town. Namoda therefore left Zurmi with
his brother Mamuda and founded Kaura. When Abu-Hamid died, the title of Sarkin
Zamfara earlier held by him went to his brother Tarna at Zurmi.
Meanwhile Namoda had already established Kaura in 1810 and was much involved
in the wars with Zamfara Kings at Kiyawa where he died in a battle. His brother
Mamuda at Kaura succeeded him. Another branch of the family led by Danjeka
Umaru went away from Zurmi and founded the town of Moriki.
The family branch members at Kaura and Zurmi

several times held the title of the Sarkin Zamfara.
The present Emir of Zurmi Alh. Atiku Zurmi is
from this family.
HADEJIA - MALAM SAMBO
Before the Fulani Jihad of Shehu Usman
Danfodiyo, the area now called Hadejia Emirate
was composed of seven separate kingdoms.
Their chiefs received their titles and owed
H.R.H.
ALH. ATIKU ZURMI
The Emir of Zurmi

allegiance to the Galadima of Bornu. These kingdoms are Auyo, Hadijia, Garun
Gabas, Gatarwa, Kazaure, Fagi and Dawa.
Hadejia was said to have been founded by a Kanuri hunter of that name, who came
from Macina, about 50miles to the North of Hadejia. He was the first of the 32 Habe
kings recorded in Hadejia.
th
Towards the end of the 18 Century, a Fulani cattle owner called Umaru settled close
to Hadejia and succeeded in obtaining the title of Sarkin Fulanin Hadejia from the
Habe king. Umaru's father was said to have originally come from Macina and settled
at Jama'are a few miles from Hadejia.
On hearing the news of the Jihad of Usman Danfodiyo, Umaru sent his brother
Sambo to Shehu Danfodiyo for a flag and the Habe king Abubakar submitted
without any trouble. Within a few months Auyo, Gatarwa, Gabas and Kazaure had
submitted to the Jihadists.
In 1808, Umaru died and was succeeded by his

son Mamman Kangiya, but in the same year he
also died. Sambo who had earlier gone to Sokoto
for a flag, succeeded, and was recognized as the
Emir of Hadejia. The present Emir of Hadejia
Alhaji Adamu Abubakar Maje is a descendent of
Malam Sambo.
YA N D O T O - M A L A M SA M B O D A N
ASHAFA
Y'andoto was an old Katsina settlement of
H.R.H.
ALH. ADAMU ABUBAKAR
The Emir of Hadejia

famous scholars at that time. When the Jihad started one Malam Ashafa from the
scholars at Y'andoto sent his son Sambo to Shehu Danfodiyo to participate in the
Jihad. It was reported that Sambo witnessed the battle of Alwasa in Kabbi where
many of Shehu's followers were martyred. Sultan Muhammad Bello reported in
Infaq-Almaisuri that the scholars at Yandoto were very famous but they did not
accept the Shehu's call. “They even drove out some scholars who had accepted our
call” like Umaru Dan Alhaji and Sambo Dan Ashafa. When Sultan Bello and his
forces came near Yandoto, he sent Malam Sambo to the scholars at Yandoto so that
they could enter a truce and that he did not intend to attack them.
The scholars at Yandoto replied to Bello that they had nothing to do with him or his
father. At this Bello attacked the town and drove away the scholars and then placed
the town under Sambo dan Ashafa.
Sambo later made his headquarters at Cediya and lived there from 1807-1811. On
the instruction of Shehu, Sambo founded the town of Gusau. Later he was
conferred the title of Sarkin Katsinan Laka by Sultan Muhammadu Bello.
Gusau was several times attacked by Zamfara, and after a prolonged wander in the
East, Sambo founded Wonaka where he died. His son Abdulkadir succeeded him
and settled at Rawiyya and finally rebuilt Gusau
and made it his Headquarters.
The present Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Muhammad
Danbaba is a descendant of Sambo Dan Ashafa.
K A U R A N N A M O D A- M U H A M M A D U
NAMODA
Muhammad Namoda was from the
H.R.H.
ALH. MOHAMED DANBABA
The Emir of Gusau

Alibawa Fulani clan whose family originally came from Katsina and stayed in the
area of Zurmi. His family led by Isau had come about two generations before 1804.
At the beginning of the Jihad, Abu-Hamid the Sarkin Zamfara at Zurmi had sent his
cousin to join Shehu and to fight for his cause. He was one of the leading war
commanders of the Shehu army in Zamfara and Gobir Campaigns.
Namoda played a prominent role in all the main battles and the sack of Alkalawa,
capital of Gobir. He had participated in the battle of Papara near Zurmi and subdued
the Azbinawa enemies. He helped in the removal of Habe Kingdoms of Katsina, and
many Zamfara towns.
As a result of this bravery, Namoda was rewarded with a flag by Shehu and was
made Sarkin Yaki. He left Zurmi his home to found a new place for himself at Kaura
and made it his headquarters.
In 1810 Namoda was involved in a war with the old town of Kiyawa and there he
was killed. He was succeeded by his brother
Mamuda who avenged Namoda's killing, and
captured kiyawa and was then rewarded with
the title of Sarkin Kiyawa by Muhammadu
Bello.
Since then the title of Sarkin Zamfara at Zurmi
and that of Sarkin kiyawa at Kaura Namoda
was held by either Namoda's or Mahmuda's
descendants. The present Emir of Kauran
Namoda Alhaji Muhammad Ahmad Asha is a
descendant of this family.
BAUCHI - MALAM YAKUBU IBN DADI
Malam Yakubu was a devout Muslim
and a Non Fulani probably of Mandara origin.

His family lived in Tiryum near Bauchi. His grandfather Abdullahi was a great Malam
from Gilliri, the chief town of the Gerawa.
Malam Yakubu was a committed religious man and possessed natural ability for
leadership. At a younger age his father sent him to Degel to study under Shehu
Usman Danfodiyo through his teacher Malam Mustapha.
He was one of the most wonderful pupils of Shehu. It was reported that Shehu once
said, “Yakubu was like my own son, created from my heart”.
On the outbreak of the jihad in 1804, Yakubu already had a flag and had come back
to his own town with some Fulani volunteers to start the jihad. He first made his
headquarters at Inkil and later in 1809 moved westwards and laid the foundation of
Bauchi. He built its walls according to the plans said to be suggested by Shehu.
He recorded successes at Ken Yallo, Mori and Gubi. Within a few years, Yakubu had
conquered the whole region reaching as far as Benue and Gongola rivers. Yakubu
achieved many victories for the Shehu community in the east. He featured
prominently in preventing Kano from being defeated
by Al-Kanemi of Bornu.
Malam Yakubu was a great scholar, a leader and a

statesman. The present Emir of Bauchi Alhaji Suleiman
Adamu is his descendant.
ZARIA (ZAZZAU) - MALAM MUSA

Malam Musa was a learned Fulani whose family
H.R.H.
ALH. SULEIMAN ADAMU
The Emir of Bauchi

the Mallawa originally came from Mali and settled in Zaria City. He has been
preaching in Zaria and on hearing the news of Shehu Danfodiyo's rising against the
Sarkin Gobir, came to join Shehu and had witnessed Hijrah from Degel to Gudu and
the victory of the Shehu's community at Tafkin Kwatto in 1804.
When Shehu sent his famous letters to Hausa kings, Sarkin Zazzau Jatau accepted
Shehu's call and so Mallam Musa had no cause to fight him. However when Makau
succeeded Jatau as Habe king of Zauzzau, he threw off allegiance with Shehu and so
Mallam Musa decided to fight him.
Malam Musa was joined by Yamusa, whose family the Barnawa lived near the
present Kaduna, in his struggle against Makau. they captured Zaria and drove out
the Habe kings Makau and his fellowers. They fled Southward of Zaria until they
finally settled at Zuba in the present Abuja. Abu-ja succeeded Makau as Sarkin
Zazzau and founded Abuja (present suleja). The present Emir of Suleja is a
descendant of Sarkin Zazzau Makau.
Meanwhile Malam Musa had been confirmed by Shehu as the first Fulani Emir of
Zaria. He consolidated his authority in Zaria and its vassal States of Jema'a keffi and
later Nasarawa who recognized him as their overlord and gave them flags on behalf
of Shehu.
Malam Musa died in 1821 and Yamusa his prominent lieutenant from Barnawa
family was recognized as his successor. Similarly when Yamusa died in 1834, the
throne went to Abdulkarim, another Fulani Jihad participant of Katsinawa dynasty.
This development brought succession to the Zaria Emirateship to be rotated
between these three Fulani houses of Mallawa, Barnawa and Katsinawa.
However, in 1854 Sidi from Mallawa dynasty became Emir and as a result of some
conflict, he was deposed by the Sultan of Sokoto. In the process of solving the
problem of Sidi's succession, Abdulsalami of Sullubawa dynasty was chosen and this

brought to four Fulani ruling houses in Zaria. The present Emir of Zaria, Alh. Shehu
Idris is a descendant of Abdulkarim of the Katsinawa dynasty.
H.R.H.
ALH. SHEHU IDRIS
The Emir of Zaria
KEBBI- MUHAMMADU MOYIJO

Muhammadu Moyijo was the leader of the Kebbi Fulani originally of
Warlabawa Fulani clan from Daura. His family left Daura, settled at Zurmi and finally
Yabo where Muhammadu Moyijo established himself as a prominent Kabbi Fulani
leader.
Moyijo was among the first and staunchest faithful of Shehu who joined the
community in the early days of the Jihad. He witnessed the Shehu's victory at Tafkin
Kwato and falls of Brinin Kabbi and Alkalawa. He was since then given the tittle of
'Amir Kabbi', and was authorised to establish Shehu's authority in his area.
On receiving Shehu's authority, Moyijo with his Headquarters well established at

Yabo, took many towns and villages under the Kabbi dominion at that time.
Muhammadu Bello narrated in Infak-Almaisuri how Moyijo welcomed and received

Shehu in his domain, when the community decided to leave Gudu after the Tafkin
Kwatto victory. They stayed in a place called Magabci near Yabo. It was at Magabci
that letters were sent out to Hausa rulers calling on them to rule according to Islamic
principles and the universal concept of justice for sometime before leaving for Kirare
in Gobir.
At the time Shehu was at Sabon Gari Zamfara, Malam Abdullahi led a Jihad against
Birnin Kabbi and conquered it. Subsequently many battles were fought at Alwasa,
Augi, ecetera. In all these battles Muhammadu Moyijo participated and many Kabbi
tows and villages came under the community.
Moyijo died in 1818 and was succeeded by his son Mamman Yalli another Warlord.
The present Sarkin Kebbi at Yabo Alhaji Muhammad Maiturare II is a descendant of
Moyijo.
NUPE- MALAM DENDO
For some years before the Jihad of Shehu Usman Danfodiyo, Fulani cattle
owners had been arriving in Nupe Land in search of grazing Land. Among them
H.R.H.
ALH. MUHAMMADU
MAI TURARE II
The Sarkin Kabir Yabo

were a few Malams and Muslim preachers, some at the direct invitation of local chiefs
including certain Fulani from near Birnin Kabbi called Malam Dendo. He gained the
friendship of Manjiya, the Nupe Chief in Raba, the capital at that time.
Malam Dendo, the leader of the Fulani, supported Manjiya in his wars against his
rivals, which he eventually conquered. After his successes, Manjiya decided to get rid
of Fulani growing influence in his kingdom. He drove Malam Dendo out of his
dominion and Malam Dendo went and joined another Fulani leader Malam Alimi
already established in Ilorin.
Manjiya invaded Ilorin but was eventually defeated by Fulani forces with the aid of
one Idrisu, a rival Nupe chief. Majiya left Raba to the Fulani. The Fulani continued
enjoying support from their brothers at Gwandu and went ahead to carving out
kingdoms for themselves under the auspices of the Caliphate.
After several family wars and emergence of divisions among the Nupe, the Fulani
were able to capture areas between Nupe and Yoruba Ilorin. They established their
capital at Bida.
There were prolonged intra-family

succession disputes among the
descendants of Malam Dendo in the
succession tussle. This resulted to the
emergence of three prominent ruling
houses in Bida. The present Etsu (Emir) of
Nupe at Bida, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar is a
descendant of Malam Dendo.
ILORIN- MALAM ALIMI

About the time of the Jihad
H.R.H.
ALH. YAHAYA ABUBAKAR
The Etsu Nupe

movement of Shehu Usman Danfodio, a Fulani Malam known as Alimi from Sokoto
armed with Shehu's authority (flag) came to Yoruba land to preach Islamic religion.
Malam Alimi was welcomed by Afonja the Yoruba (Military Commander of Oyo
Empire based in Ilorin who was at that time engaged in struggle against his overlord
the Alafin of Oyo. Malam Alimi and his Fulani warriors helped Afonja in the struggle
to break away from Oyo.
In the course of time, Afonja found the Fulani too strong for his control because of
their number and support. He sought for the assistance of other Yoruba Chiefs to
crush the increasing power of the Fulani but failed. Afonja was eventually defeated in
the fierce fight with Fulani and died in 1831.
From that time onwards, Alimi took over the rule of Ilorin and consolidated the
Caliphate authority in the area with its support from Gwandu. Malam Alimi died and
was succeeded by his son Abdulsalam who was considered as the Emir of Ilorin.
There were many intra-family disputes and war threats from the Yoruba at Oyo
afterwards until the arrival of the British in the area in 1895.
The present Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Dr.Ibrahim Sulu

Gambari (CFR) is a descendant of Malam Alimi, the
founder of the Fulani ruling house.
DAURA- MALLAM ISIYAKU

Malam Isiyaku was among the faithful Fulani
followers of Shehu Danfodiyo. He was a herdsman
H.R.H.
ALH. IBRAHIM SULU GAMBARI
The Emir of Ilorin

and scholar from Daura. In July 1805 after receiving a flag from Shehu, with the aid
of Dantunku (of kazaure) and Mallam Musa from Zaria, he attacked Daura and its
King, Sarkin Gwari Abdu was eventually defeated.
The Fulani leaders took Daura through a prolonged siege, which led to eventual
surrender. Its King Abdu escaped from Daura by the gate called “Kidi da Hauka” and
settle for six month in Kwargom (30 mile to the North of Daura).
He could not regain back his capital but foretold that one day his grandson would
peacefully regain Daura for his dynasty. His descendants continued with the Habe
rule at Daura Zango and Daura Baure.
The British took over the administration of the Caliphate in 1903. In the process of
re-uniting Daura people under one Chief. Lugard tried the experiment of bringing
back a Habe Emir to rule Daura.
Consequently, Malam Musa from Daura
Zango was brought to Daura in 1904. The
present Emir of Daura Alhaji Muhammadu
Bashar is a descendant of Mallam Musa.
KATAGUM - MALAM ZAKI

This history of Katagum is brought
to light only at the beginning of the Jihad of
Shehu Usman Danfodiyo. Malam Zaki's
full name was Zaki Al kalbi. His father was
H.R.H.
ALH. MUHAMMADU BASHAR
The Emir of Daura

of Arab origin from Baghirmi in Chad. His father moved to Nafada then settled at
Yayu in Chinade district.
When Shehu Usman Danfodio raised the standard for the Jihad, Malam Zaki was
given a flag and he started the Jihad in Bauchi area. He setled for a time at Laimari
and with the help of Tashena followers attacked udubo and then Auyo. After the fall
of Auyo, its people helped him to capture Tashena, not far from the present Katagum
and there he stayed.
Malam Zaki then went and established himself at Misau from where he launched and
conquered Udubo and Gamawa before returning north and stayed in Tashena.
Malam Zaki, not satisfied with Tashena as his base, went further to build the town of
Katagum at its present site.
He commanded the second attack on Bornu after the defeat and death of Gwani
Muhtar at Ngazargamu in 1809 at the instructions of Shehu. He took once again, in
Ngazargamu, but later withdrew for Katagum.
Malam Zaki died in 1814 and was succeeded by his brother, Liman Adandaya who
was also succeeded by Dankauwa, the nephew
of Ibrahim Zaki. The present Emir of Katagum is
a descendant of Dankauwa.
MISAU-MUHAMMADU MANGA
The Emirate of Misau, located between
Bauchi and Katagum, has been ruled by the
descendants of a Bornu Fulani named Gwani
Mukhtar, since it was captured from its Habe
H.R.H.
ALH. KABIR UMAR
The Emir of Katagum

king in 1827.
Gwani Muhktar was the son of a Fulani herdsman, Abubakar who was also based at
Wuro-Bokki. Mukhtar studied Arabic under Malam Gwani Lawal and eventually
became the village head (Mukhatar) and Imam of Wuro Bokki.
In the early days of the Jihad of Shehu Danfodiyo, Gwani Mukhtar decided to serve
the Shehu's cause in opposition to Mai Ahmad, the ruler of Borno. He conquered all
the neighbouring pagan districts and finally marched and captured Ngazargamu, the
capital of Bornu in 1808. Some months after this vistory, Ngazargamu was again
taken back by the forces of Bornu and Gwani Mukhtar was driven out and killed.
Consequently, a flag was sent to Gwani Mukhtar's son Muhammadu Manga by

Shehu Danfodiyo to lead the Bornu Fulani in the Jihad. After living at Gujba his base
for 5 years, Mahammadu Manga founded his own town of Damaturu.
Meanwhile, Elkanemi and the Bornu forces found themselves very strong to re-
establish their authority over the territories earlier captured by the Fulani.
Muhammadu Manga was then driven out of Damaturu. By that time, Misau, a Habe
town of Bauchi had been captured by Yakubu of Bauchi and Dan Kauwa of
Katagum.
Misau was, after a consensus at Sokoto, taken away from Bauchi and given to
Muhammadu Manga by Sultan Muhammad Bello in 1831. Subsequently Misau was
regarded as an independent Emirate from Bauchi.
The present Emir of Misau Muhammad Manga III is a direct descendant of
Muhammadu Manga the first Emir of Misau.

H.R.H.
ALH. MUHAMMAD MANGA III
The Emir of Misau
JAMA'ARE-MUHAMMADU WABI
Muhammad Wabi was the son of Ardo Sale a Fulani Leader in Bornu. His
people settled in Western Bornu at the end of 18th century. At the beginning of the
Jihad of Shehu Danfodiyo, Muhammadu Wabi joined the Jihad movement against
the Mai of Bornu and had taken part in the conquest of Ngazargammu, the Bornu
capital with Gwani Mukhtar in 1808.
Muhammadu Wabi was given a flag by Shehu Danfodiyo at Sifawa and he engaged
in wars with Elkanemi of Bornu who had already became strong enough to re-
establish himself in the areas west of Bornu captured by the Fulani.
Muhammadu Wabi was wounded in an encounter with the Kare-Kare of Gwajin near
Potiskum, which resulted to his death in 1824.
He was succeeded by his brother Sambolei, who led his people to face Bornu
pressure until they came to a spot near present Jama'are where they stayed. They
were overran by Bornu Army in their advances westwards in 1826 and left the area
only to come back again when Yakubu of Bauchi stopped the Kanem advances

westwards.
Sambolei was several times engaged in wars with Bornu during his 30 years of reign.
He and his people also took part in the battle of Gawa Kuke in Rabah near Sokoto
where he helped the Sultan to defend his capital against the Habe king of Katsina.
Since then the throne of the Emir of Jama'are has been under the descendants of
either Muhammadu Wabi or Sambolei, his brother. The present Emir of Jama'are
Alhaji Ahmad Muhammadu Wabi is a descendant of Muhammadu Wabi 1.
H.R.H.
ALH. AHMAD MUHAMMAD
WABI II
The Emir of Jamaare

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CHAPTER ONE

Before talking about the achievements of the present administration in

In addition, it also serves the purpose of teaching Muslims

The Late Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardaunan Sokoto,

41 The Legend of our time

Maratta, which no longer exist as a town, is located in Galmi in Madawa District of

42 The Legend of our time

Compound of Shehu Usman Dan Fodio at Degel

43 The Legend of our time

44 The Legend of our time

45 The Legend of our time

Shehu's resting place called 'gida' where he attended to vistors in Degel

46 The Legend of our time

47 The Legend of our time

5. SHEHU'S HOUSE AT GUDU

48 The Legend of our time

6. FARU TREE AT GUDU

“Faru akwaishi ga Majalisa tasa kunjiya,

49 The Legend of our time

7. TAFKIN KWATTO BATTLE

50 The Legend of our time

“Our horses were only 25 while that of Gobirawa only

51 The Legend of our time

52 The Legend of our time

(a. Inviting them to assist him in the jihad.

53 The Legend of our time

Some weapons used during

Some weapons used during the Sokoto Jihad

54 The Legend of our time

“Mamman Tukur da Agali nan hijirarsu tag,

12. BATTLE OF KIRARE

Muhammadu Bello mentioned in Infaq al-Maisur:

13. BATTLE OF TSUNTSUWA

55 The Legend of our time

14. SABON GARI ZAMFARA

“Dada Shehu yai wajje na Zamfara kun jiya.

Presently, Sabon Gari is in Bakura Emirate of Zamfara State.

56 The Legend of our time

Inside Shehu's house at Gwandu, there is the tomb of

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“Dada Azbinawa sunka taru Abungulu,

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When their reply reached Muhammadu Bello, he decided to fight 'Yandoto.

Some "Charm gowns" used by some warriors

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20. SOKOTO: (SHEHU'S TOMB)

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The Hubbare of Shehu Usman Danfodiyo is indeed a Historical Monument. It is one

21. WURNO: BELLO'S TOMB

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23. ZOMA (ZAMFARA)

Although he died at Zoma, presently in Bukkuyum, now an Emirate in Zamfara State,

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That is why the tomb of Umaru Mu'alkammu is being visited in Sokoto.

Meanwhile, Matuzgi is now in Mafara Emirate of Zamfara State about 5 kilometers

25. BARAYAR ZAKI

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26. BIRNIN GADA BUNGUDU

Katuru is presently in what is now Shinkafi Emirate of Zamfara State, some 2

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Chimmola is presently a District in Gwadabawa Local Govenment Area of Sokoto