Who Was the First King in Hausaland?
Hausaland, the ancient region that gave rise to one of the most powerful and culturally rich civilizations in West Africa, has a long and fascinating history. When we talk about its origins, a common question arises: Who was the first king in Hausaland?
This article will take you through the legendary beginnings of the Hausa people, explore the story of Bayajidda, and reveal how the first Hausa king came to power.
What Is Hausaland?
Hausaland refers to a historical region in Northern Nigeria and parts of Niger Republic where the Hausa people originated. It was made up of seven core Hausa city-states known as the Hausa Bakwai:
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Daura
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Kano
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Katsina
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Zazzau (Zaria)
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Rano
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Biram
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Gobir
These city-states had their own rulers, armies, trade systems, and Islamic scholars long before colonialism.
The Legend of Bayajidda: The Origin of Hausa Kingship
To understand the first king in Hausaland, we must begin with Bayajidda, a legendary figure in Hausa history.
According to Hausa oral tradition:
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Bayajidda was a prince from Baghdad who fled his homeland due to political conflict.
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He traveled across Africa and eventually settled in Daura, a city in present-day Katsina State, Nigeria.
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At the time, the people of Daura were suffering due to a snake named Sarki, which guarded their only source of water (the Kusugu well).
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Bayajidda killed the snake and became a hero.
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As a reward, he married the reigning Queen Daurama, and they had a son named Bawo.
Who Was the First King in Hausaland?
Bawo – The First True Hausa King
After Bayajidda, his son Bawo became the first king of the true Hausa lineage. Bawo ruled over Daura and is considered the founding father of the Hausa royal dynasties.
Bawo later had seven sons, and these sons are said to have founded the seven original Hausa states (Hausa Bakwai).
So, while Bayajidda is seen as the legendary progenitor, it was Bawo who was the first king born of Hausa blood, and his descendants established the royal houses across Hausaland.
The Seven Hausa States Founded by Bawo's Sons
Each of Bawo's sons is believed to have founded one of the seven Hausa states:
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Daura
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Kano
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Katsina
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Zazzau (Zaria)
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Rano
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Biram
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Gobir
These city-states were governed by Hausa kings known as Sarki, and they played significant roles in trade, religion, and politics across West Africa.
Was Bayajidda a Real Historical Figure?
Historians view Bayajidda as a mythical or semi-legendary figure. His story serves as a foundational myth that explains:
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The origin of Hausa royal families.
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The cultural unity among different Hausa states.
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The shift from matriarchal to patriarchal rule in Daura.
Whether or not Bayajidda truly existed, his tale remains central to Hausa identity and history.
Daura: The Cradle of Hausa Civilization
Today, Daura remains a symbolic city for the Hausa people. It is home to:
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The Kusugu Well, where Bayajidda allegedly killed the snake.
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The Bayajidda Sword, a historic relic.
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The Daura Emirate, one of the oldest in Nigeria.
The city celebrates Durbar festivals and continues to honor the legacy of Bayajidda and Bawo.
Final Thoughts
So, who was the first king in Hausaland?
The answer is Bawo, the son of Bayajidda and Queen Daurama. While Bayajidda is honored as the legendary founder, it was Bawo who became the first king of Hausa blood and laid the foundation for the Hausa states we know today.
This remarkable story blends legend, tradition, and identity, forming the roots of Hausa kingship and cultural pride.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Bayajidda a real historical figure?
Bayajidda is considered a legendary figure, and while there may be some historical basis, his story is primarily passed down through oral tradition.
Who was Queen Daurama?
She was the ruling queen of Daura before the arrival of Bayajidda. Her reign marked the end of matriarchal leadership in the region.
What is the Kusugu Well?
It is the well in Daura where Bayajidda killed the snake. It is now a historic tourist site in Katsina State.
Are all Hausa people descended from Bayajidda?
Traditionally, yes. The myth states that all the royal houses of the Hausa Bakwai are descendants of Bayajidda.