In Nigeria’s Borno State, the Shehu of Borno plays a significant role as both a traditional leader and a cultural figure. This royal institution encapsulates the deep-rooted history of the Kanem-Bornu Empire and has remained relevant in the socio-political aspect of the region.
The Shehu also acts as a figure who helps foster strong cultural unity among the people of Borno and assists in maintaining their traditions.
READ ALSO: List of Obi of Onitsha: Past and Present
List of Shehu of Borno
| No | Shehu of Borno | Reign |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sheikh Mohammad Al-Amin El-Kanemi | 1809 - 1837 |
| 2 | Umar I ibn Muhammad al-Amin | 1837 - 1853 |
| 3 | Abd ar-Rahman | 1853- 1854 |
| 4 | Umar I ibn Muhammad al-Amin | 1854 - 1881 |
| 5 | Bukar Kura | 1881 - 1884 |
| 6 | Ibrahim Kura | 1885-1886 |
| 7 | Hashim bin Umar al-Kanemi | 1886-1893 |
| 8 | Kyari | 1893-1894 |
| 9 | Sanda Wuduroma | 1894-1990 |
| 10 | Sanda Kura | 1990-1902 |
| 11 | Abubakar Garbai | 1902-1922 |
| 12 | Sandra Kura | 1922-1937 |
| 13 | Umar Ibn Muhammad | 1937-1967 |
| 14 | Shehu Umar Ibn Abubakar Garbai | 1967-1974 |
| 15 | Shehu Mustafa Ibn Umar El-Kanemi | 1974-2009 |
| 16 | Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba | 2009-Present |
The First Shehu of Borno: Sheikh Mohammad Al-Amin El-Kanemi
El-Kanemi was born sometime in the late 18th century, in the Kanuri city of Borno where his father’s roots are traced.
Following this, El-Kanemi rose to become an important religious and political figure during one of the most turbulent eras in the region’s history.
El-Kanemi was raised in a partly Islamic environment that favored a certain outlook on the society he lived in. His popularity began growing in the early 19th century when he took part in fighting against the advances of Usman dan Fodio and the Islamizing forces of the Fulani jihad on West Africa.
Having succeeded in unifying the Borno internal factions, and after all external threats had been dealt with effectively, El-Kanemi was in 1809 invested as the Shehu (or Sultan) of Borno.
His tenure signaled the inception of the Kanemi dynasty which sought to acquire as much power as possible while also enhancing the growth of learning within the Islamic context.
During El-Kanemi’s rule, the foundations of Islam were installed and the empire was run efficiently with a unitary authority in place.
Education and the spread of Islam in the region were facilitated by Sheikh Mohammad Al-Amin El –Kanemi. He constructed many institutions and promoted the practice of translating deemed useful Arabic writings to the local languages for the benefit of the people.
His governance also focused on trade and agriculture, which played a vital role in the economic buoyancy of Borno during his reign.
READ ALSO: The Oba of Lagos Lineage: Past and Present
The Current Shehu of Borno: Abubakar ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi
In the year 2009, Abubakar ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi ascended the throne after the long and powerful reign of Mustapha ibn Umar Kyari Amin El-Kanemi.
This current Shehu has played a great role in promoting peace and development to Borno State; more so during this present administration which is faced with the challenges of terrorism and socio-economic constraints.
He uses a mixture of traditional leadership and modern principles of administration, which emphasizes youth centered and community resilience strategies.
He does not shy away from engaging in political affairs and partners with other local and state apparatus to look after the welfare of his people.
The Shehu plays an important role as a cultural attaché in protecting the interests of the people of Borno both in Nigeria and outside Nigeria as he encourages the practice of the rich culture of the people of Borno.
