We are still in the survey of the history of the Northern part of Nigeria. In the first part, we took a look at the Hausa/Fulani ethnic group and their influence in Nigeria. We also talked about their origin and socio-political organization before the colonial era. In this episode, we will look at the Kanem-Bornu ethnic group.

Kanem-Bornu Ethnic Group

Some people that live outside the Northern part of Nigeria may not know the difference between the Kanem-Bornu and the Hausa/Fulani tribe - this is because of the similarity in both cultures and other traditional practices. If you can recall from our last post, we mentioned in passing that Bayajida (the recognized founder of the ancient Hausa tribe) journeyed through Kanem-Bornu and got married to one of the daughters of the King (Mai) of the land of Bornu. This can explain the similarity in both cultures; obviously, they are seen as ancestral in-laws.

However, in contrast to the Hausa people that have Hausa language as their primary dialect, the primary dialect of the Kanem-Bornu tribe is Kanuri and their people are referred to as "Kanuris". During the ancient time (particularly during the reign of Mai Idris Alooma - one of the most prominent kings of the ancient Kanem-Bornu empire), Kanem-Bornu empire was very influential, strategic, large and even pre-dated the Hausa ethnic group. During the pre-colonial time, Kanem-Bornu cut across Chad, Niger, Cameroon and not just Nigeria. In this present time, however, they are predominantly found in the Northern part of Nigeria.

Origin of Kanem-Bornu

Kanem-Bornu has a very rich historic account and their origin has been passed on by "oral tradition" from the pre-colonial time to this present era. Just like the Hausa tribe, the Kanem-Bornu ethnic group has many versions of their origin (including myths and legends) but we will focus on the ones that have been generally accepted by Kanuri history scholars.

The Version of Saif (Sayf) Dhiyazan

This is a migratory account of the origin of the Kanem-Bornu ethnic group. According to renowned history scholars and oral tradition, Kanem-Bornu was founded around the 9th century AD along the coast of lake Chad by Saif Dhiyazan (an Arabian Warrior and hero). The first dynasty that was established in Kanem-Bornu was the Saifawa dynasty. Nigerian historians will agree with me that you can't discuss Kanem-Bornu without pointing to Saifawa dynasty. This dynasty was seen as the longest and most influential dynasties in the entire sub-saharan Africa during the pre-colonial era.

It was from the Saifawa dynasty that other sub-regions of Kanem-Bornu were created and they migrated along the Chadian lake till they found their way to the Northern part Nigeria. The capital of Kanem-Bornu was latter shifted to Ngazargamu (located in Bornu state of Nigeria) and was consolidated by Mai Idris Alooma.

The Version of SO

It has been a popular belief that the SO tribe were the original occupants and founders of the Kanem-Bornu ethnic group. This version has a little similarity with the version of Saif Dhiyazan but as against the Saifawa dynasty being the first to be founded, the SO was recognized as the first.

The SO tribe were said to be invaded by immigrants from the Chadian region, and even with their cultural sophistication, they were overpowered and SO was taken over by these immigrants and that was how the later Kanem-Bornu empire was founded. Many history scholars have refused this version though, but some Kanuris still believe they descended from SO.

The religion practised by the present day Kanuris is the islamic religion. This was as a result of the conquering of Kanem-Bornu by Fulani jihadists. Around the 16th century, a particular war known as the Fulani war; which was regarded as holy war (Jihad) took place in Kanem-Bornu (led by Usman Dan Fodio) and Fulani warriors conquered Kanem-Bornu and introduced islamic orthodoxy.

Kanem-Bornu Administration and Socio-political Organization

During the pre-colonial time, the administration of Kanem-Bornu ethnic group centered on kinship. The Mai (who is translated as king) occupied the highest rank in authority. They also ran a primogeniture monarchical system where the eldest son of the Mai was the heir apparent to the throne upon the demise of the Mai. Much more than that, the mother of the Mai, known as Magira (queen mother) also occupied a strategic authority in Kanem-Bornu and well respected by the Kanuris.

In the ancient times; and even presently; the Mai selects his cabinet and among them is the Maini Kanendi (which is the title given to the chief justice of the state and the legal adviser and attorney of the Mai). The Mai also controls the Kanuri army which is made up of brutal and elite soldiers who are willing to put their lives on the line to protect the Mai.

However, the Mai (during the pre-colonial era) did not have absolute power because he was answerable to the titled nobilities. These were groups of administrators (which can be seen as house of assembly in this present era) that oversaw the activities of the Mai and his cabinet. The titled nobilities included the Galadimas, the Yerimas, Meshemas, and even Kaigam (king makers). The political structure of Kanem-Bornu has been structured in this format even till this present time, the only difference is the heavy influence of the Hausa/Fulani in parts of Kanem-Bornu that brought islamic orthodoxy.

References: Ref1, Ref2, Ref3, Ref4