List Of Shehus Of Borno State (1809-Present)
The Shehu of Borno is a traditional leader in northeastern Nigeria, with a history tied to the Kanuri people. However, the title has been held by different rulers since the 19th century, starting with Sheikh Mohammad Al-Amin El-Kanemi, who united the region during his reign from 1814 to 1835. The Shehu serves as both a spiritual and cultural leader.
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List Of Shehu Of Borno State From 1809 Till Date
| Name | Reign |
|---|---|
| Sheikh Mohammad Al-Amin El-Kanemi | 1809 - 1837 |
| Umar I ibn Muhammad al-Amin | 1837 - 1853 |
| Abd ar-Rahman | 1853- 1854 |
| Umar I ibn Muhammad al-Amin | 1854 - 1881 |
| Bukar Kura | 1881 - 1884 |
| Ibrahim Kura | 1885-1886 |
| Hashim bin Umar al-Kanemi | 1886-1893 |
| Kyari | 1893-1894 |
| Sanda Wuduroma | 1894-1990 |
| Sanda Kura | 1990-1902 |
| Abubakar Garbai | 1902-1922 |
| Sandra Kura | 1922-1937 |
| Umar Ibn Muhammad | 1937-1967 |
| Shehu Umar Ibn Abubakar Garbai | 1967-1974 |
| Shehu Mustafa Ibn Umar El-Kanemi | 1974-2009 |
| Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba | 2009-Present |
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Who Was The First Shehu Of Bornu?
Sheikh Muhammad Al-Amin El-Kanemi was the first Shehu of Borno. He was born around 1778 near Lake Chad and belonged to the Kanembu tribe.
His mother was of Arab descent. Al-Kanemi’s early life focused heavily on education; his father recognized his potential and sent him to Egypt for advanced studies.
After completing his education, Al-Kanemi went on a pilgrimage to Makkah with his father. Sadly, his father passed away during this journey.
After returning to Borno in the late 18th century, Al-Kanemi became the chief of the Kanembu tribe. At that time, Borno faced threats from Fulani jihadists led by Uthman Dan Fodio.
Understanding the need for unity, Al-Kanemi gathers different ethnic groups, including the Shuwa Arabs and Kanembu, to defend Borno’s sovereignty.
In 1814, he established a new capital at Kukawa. He became a major power behind the throne, influencing Borno’s politics.
His leadership combined military strength with scholarly pursuits. He founded schools that attracted many students from different tribes, promoting Islamic education and values.
Al-Kanemi’s approach was not only about fighting but also about upholding Sharia law and Islamic principles in his community. As a devout Muslim and respected scholar, Al-Kanemi led a disciplined life and valued education highly.
He wrote several books and engaged in debates with jihadist leaders, using his knowledge to protect Borno’s Islamic heritage. Unfortunately, Sheikh Muhammad Al-Amin El-Kanemi passed away in 1837.
He was succeeded by his son Umar, who continued his father’s work in preserving Borno’s cultural and religious identity.
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Who Is The Current Shehu Of Borno?
Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba El-Kanemi is the current Shehu of Borno. He was born on May 13, 1957, in Damagum, Yobe State.
Abubakar comes from a notable family; his father, Shehu Umar Ibn Abubakar Garbai, was also a respected leader in the community. Abubakar attended Government College Maiduguri, where he completed his secondary school.
In 1975, he went to the Staff Training Centre in Potiskum and earned an Intermediate Local Government Certificate. He started working with the Borno State Government in 1976.
Later, he studied at Kaduna Polytechnic from 1978 to 1982 and then went to Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria in 1986, obtaining an Advanced Diploma in Local Government Administration.
He also served as a Permanent Secretary in different ministries. On March 2, 2009, Abubakar was officially appointed as the Shehu of Borno by the state governor, Ali Modu Sheriff.
Just two days later, he took part in the Kanuri investiture ceremony known as bayatu. Since becoming Shehu, he has promoted peace and unity among the many ethnic and religious groups in Borno State. Abubakar is married and has three wives and fifteen children.
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