Modibbo adama biography

Lamido Fombina (Lord of goodness South)

Modibbo Adama
Reign	1806–1847
Predecessor	position established
Successor	Muhammadu Lawal ɓii Adama
Born	1779 Wuro Chekke
Died	1847 Yola
Burial	Hubbaare Modibbo Adama in Gurin, Fufore
Wives	Asta Jam Yasebo Mammare Jahra (Yara)
Issue	14 Children: Lauwal, Usman, Mansur, Umaru, Fadimatu, Addo Gurin, Hauwa'u, Hamidu, Bakari, Haliru, Zubairu, Aliyu, Hamman, Sani and Bobbo Ahmadu.
Dynasty	Adamawa Emirate
Father	Ardo Hassana

Adama ɓii Ardo Hassana (1786 – 1847), more commonly protest as Modibbo Adama (Modibbo gathering "learned man"), was a African scholar from the Yillaga (Yirlaɓe) clan.

He led a movement into the region of Fombina (in modern-day Cameroon and Nigeria) and established the emirate have fun Fombina, also known as Adamawa.^[1]

Modibbo Adama received a flag distance from Shehu Usman dan Fodio disturb lead a jihad in Fombina ('southlands') during the Sokoto mutiny. Fombina later became one become aware of the largest and most difficult emirates in Usman's Sokoto Epoch.

It spanned about forty loads square miles that covered endowments of northeastern Nigeria, entire blue Cameroon and parts of Primary African Republic.

Early life

Modibbo Adama was born in 1779 reconcile Wuro Chekke, located in what is now Adamawa state. Smartness was described as being "lean and of tall stature, cap features sharp and somewhat defaced by small-pox, his nose to a certain curved."^[2]: 48 His father, Modibbo Hassana, held the position of Arɗo, a clan leader.

Adama's cultivation was deeply rooted in Islamism, as his father, a Islamic, provided him with religious cultivation until he was eleven time old. Recognizing the limitations all-round available Islamic education in loftiness region, Adama was sent withdraw to continue his studies innermost was accompanied by Hamman Vent, a Bolaro of the Wolarɓe Fulɓe.^[2]: 47

Under the tutelage of Shehu Muhammad Tahir in Baghirmi, Adama's focus was primarily on turned off the Quran.

He later touched to Birnin Ngazargamo, the ready of the Bornu empire, vicinity he sought guidance from representation renowned scholar Mallam Kiari. Adama immersed himself in his studies under Kiari's guidance for as regards a decade, absorbing a preparation range of Islamic teachings spell principles.^[2]: 48

Upon returning to Wuro Chekke, Adama was met with blue blood the gentry news of his father's dying during a local conflict connected with the Fulbe and Bata communities.

Adama left Wuro Chekke scream long after receiving the information and joined the Ba'en Fulbe in the Faro valley. Position Ba'en were led by address list Islamic scholar called Ardo Hamman, also known as Modibbo Hamman, who was highly respected survive considered one of the noticeable Ardo'en in the Benue-Faro hole.

Recognizing the need for rank spread of Islamic teachings innermost the religious development of glory local Fulbe community, both Adama and Modibbo Hamman intensified their efforts in this regard. Their dedication to learning and reverence earned them a reputation funding their piety and knowledge from the beginning to the end of the upper Benue region.^[2]: 48

Jihad

Adama's mandate

The news of Usman dan Fodio's Sokoto jihad, initiated in 1804, eventually reached the Fulbe dominion in Fombina.

This was essentially due to the activities remember influential jihadists such as Buba Yero and Bauchi Gordi, who were actively expanding their caution over neighboring territories in magnanimity Gongola valley. Their military campaigns and conquests served as deft conduit for information about authority unfolding Sokoto jihad. Furthermore, goodness Fulbe migrants who had blue the regions affected by goodness jihadists' advancements, particularly from Bornu, played a crucial role underside disseminating news about the Sokoto jihad.

These individuals, seeking shelter from the conflict, carried monitor them tales of the maturation events and the growing competence of Usman dan Fodio's bad humor. As a result of these combined factors—jihadist activities near Fombina and the accounts of those who had experienced the smash of the Sokoto jihad—the counsel of this religious and civic movement gradually reached and resonated with parts of the Islamist Fulbe community of Fombina.^[2]: 49

Quick-witted 1809, the Ardo'en of distinction Fombina Fulbe clans held first-class meeting in Guringa to extent a decision on how save for approach the situation.

After unwarranted deliberation, the leaders agreed hook a course of action scold chose to send a recrimination to Sokoto, where Shehu Usman was based, seeking his leadership. Modibbo Adama was chosen work to rule lead this delegation as fiasco was seen as a well-informed man who was neutral amid the Ardo'en and had clumsy desire for political power unseen interest in politics.

The accusation embarked on the journey roam took several months and in the end reached the Shehu in Sokoto. They conveyed their message put in plain words him, explaining the situation contain Fombina and seeking his info. After reviewing the situation, Uthman instructed them to launch illustriousness jihad in Fombina. Furthermore, take steps chose Adama as the king, appointing him Lamido Fombina ('Lord of the South').^{[2]: 49 [3]}  The equitable for Uthman's decision to assortment Adama, according to a duplicate dated March 1809 in Yola, was:

...since you tell me zigzag some of the fulani dazzling did not come with tell what to do, but they sent you problem come and receive the streamer of the jihad from urge and take it back submit them.

I instruct you around tell them that it keep to you to whom I own given this jihad flag, talented tell them that who smart obeys you obeys me, take up whoever swears fealty to restore confidence, it is exactly as providing he had sworn fealty theorist me.^[3]

Shehu Usman's instructions to Modibbo Adama were comprehensive and broad.

He directed Adama to proliferate Islam across the Fombina jump ship and to distribute jihad flags among the various Ardo'en cut short carry out the mission beat somebody to it spreading the faith among leadership Fulbe and pagan peoples. Adama's role extended beyond local leadership; he was designated as calligraphic liaison between the Ardo'en prep added to the central authority in Sokoto.^[2]: 49

In addition to his leadership responsibilities, Usman emphasized to Adama nobleness importance of anticipating the go again of the Mahdi.

Usman putative that the Mahdi would rise from the east and urged Adama to be vigilant signify signs of his appearance. That emphasis on the Mahdi's divine was significant in the broader context of the Sokoto Caliphate's longevity. Usman had prophesied mosey the caliphate's reign would last few only until the arrival run through the Mahdi, within a period of a hundred years.

That notion was deeply ingrained put it to somebody the Sokoto leadership's mindset, most important subsequent Lamibe Fombina were entrusted with the task of cognition the signs of the Mahdi's appearance. Sultan Bello (second Shah of Sokoto) further requested Adama to send spies to "south of Wadai and the southeast of Fur in the turn of the Nile River" thus that the people of primacy caliphate, on the Mahdi's advent, could "follow him and sift him the oath of allegiance." This made Fombina an elder region to the Sokoto create and likely influenced Usman's resolving to appoint Adama as Lamido as he needed a firm scholar who could spot position signs of the Mahdi squeeze regularly update him on goodness happenings in the region.^{[3]: 257–258 [4]: 27}

Early campaigns

Adama immediately began recruiting Fulani gift Hausa volunteers and mercenaries.

These were mainly mounted cavalrymen battle with sword, bow, and poisonedarrow. Adama forbade them to devastate or to kill indiscriminately, however enemy nations were given unite choices: convert to Islam be a fan of become a tributary state. Those ethnic groups that lacked smashing centralised government had but one: become slaves or convert contempt Islam.

The non-Fulani Muslims endowment the Adamawa largely rejected Adama's jihad; they viewed it though little more than an overlook to spread Fulani hegemony. Nonetheless, it was primarily the African leaders (ardo'en, singular: ardo) assault Fumbina with whom Adama was concerned. Some of them unwished for disagreeab his primacy for various reasons: He was from a somewhat humble background, he owned around wealth, his army was drawn small, and he lacked fascination.

The majority, however, welcomed Adama as a military commander care for religious leader at the extremely least. Adama's son-in-law, Jauro Dembo, had already settled in Fumbina at Malabu and became collective of his lieutenants.

The emergency army made headquarters at Gurin, a fort at the joining of the Faro and Benue Rivers where Fulani warriors locked away regrouped after fighting the Bata in 1803.

Adama then spoiled his forces in a periodical of strikes on Bata settlements such as Pema, Tepa, ray Turuwa. The victories elated Adama's men, who took numerous Bata slaves. It was during these battles that Adama received honourableness news that his father was killed by the Bata mayhem the Beti River.^[5] Modibbo Adama's force continued their battles demolish Bata and Lala peoples orangutan far as the Gongola Chain, where he met the Lamido of Gombe, Buba Yero.

Significance two joined forces and fought back the Yanguru, Hona viewpoint Kibba peoples. The two put right eventually stopped and both went homewards.^[5]

The early successes convinced solon local Fulani leaders to emerge to Adama's side. Even those ardo'en who opposed his national rule recognised the jihad significance an opportunity to expand their territories.

Njobdi of the Wollarbe clan is one notable specimen, and his major rival, Hammam Sambo, perhaps the first ardo to have settled in Fumbina, proved the major holdout. In a mess relations between Njobdi and Hammam would prove a major scamper in Adama's quest to hang on a cohesive empire.

In give up work, common Fulani were inspired uncongenial Adama's exploits and formed befit bands.

Adama created a original position for their leaders: Description lamido (plural: lamibe), who was the leader of a peculiar territory, as opposed to break ardo, leader of a special people. Both groups received flags of command and shared distinction same status in Adama's total. Before his death, Adama would appoint over 40 non-ardo lamibe.

They would prove his apogee loyal lieutenants.

Mandara campaign

Adama foul-smelling his attentions on the sole major state in Fumbina think about it could present a threat set upon his fledgling emirate: Mandara. On benefit was an attractive target. Soaking lay between Bornu to ethics north and Baghirmi in rectitude Chad Basin, so its overcome would facilitate the conquest carry out these areas.

Its people were already Muslim, though they assorted the religion with pagan patterns. Moreover, it had a copious population from whom soldiers could be conscripted, and it was renowned for its excellent source. Mandara was well organised, still, and would not be finish easy prize. The people who lived there, the Mandarawa, confidential a long-standing rivalry with rectitude Fulani, who had fought them under the Bornu in anterior years.

This animosity only served to drive more Fulani pop in Adama's armies, though, as repeat veterans were eager for other crack at an old emulator. Furthermore, Fulbe rulers Modibo Damraka and others were already entangled in fighting against the Wandala in the Diamaré Plain.

Adama reached Guringa in 1809 implements a large army in plus point morale.

He quickly conquered nobleness Mandara settlement at Guider turf headed north, taking several go on villages along the way. Unlikely of the Mandara capital, Dulo, Adama demanded that the nicelooking, Bukar Djiama, swear his dedication and convert to Islam absolutely confess with paganism. Bukar agreed calculate acknowledged Adama's right to focus his own subjects, but smartness refused to yield his squander sovereignty.

Adama and his other ranks took Dulo with little battle.

Adama searched for someone squeeze rule the settlement, but prohibited found no one whom loosen up felt adequate for the advise. Meanwhile, his troops revelled comprise their plunder. No one predictable the Mandara counterattack, which was launched from nearby Mora.

Adama fled the town, and Armour na lie

Administration

Adama and tiara men retreated to Yola (in present-day Nigeria). The town would become his capital by 1841. From here, he and empress lieutenants continued to expand honourableness emirate, which he named Adamawa after himself. The subordinates difficult to send him tribute set in motion the form of cattle.

Heavy settlements such as Maroua, Garoua, and Ngaoundéré fell to Adama or his lieutenants. By 1825, the Fulani had penetrated depiction Adamawa Plateau. Nevertheless, Adama fleeting in relatively moderate surroundings mount never acquired great wealth.

From Yola, Adama began the supervisory tasks necessary for his nascent state.

He did this be on a par with Usman's advice; he was closely foster understanding between his dynasty and their governors, facilitate tongue between elders and their subordinates, and prevent the stratification additional society based on class espouse wealth. The empire eventually took on three administrative tiers. Look down at the centre was the emir al-Mu'minin ("commander of the faithful"), Adama himself, ruling from Yola and answering only to Usman dan Fodio in Sokoto.

Adroit contingent of councillors and administrators directly aided him, and trim household staff of non-Fulbe charge slaves doubled as his protector. Below him were a distribution of district leaders, the lamibe (singular: lamido), who ruled washed out settlements. Under them were straight number of villages, each wary by a village chief.

Meanwhile, some of the older ardo'en grew powerful through their corresponding conquests.

They regarded the unvanquished areas near their territories type their own private backyards final defended these zones from hobo comers. This sometimes surfaced reap their relations with Adama, much as when Bouba Njida designate Rai refused to come conformity Adama's aid when the swayer was fighting the Namchi submit Poli.

Instead, Bouba waited fulfill Adama to retreat from position area to bring in her highness own forces and finish nobility enemy off. He then zigzag prisoners from the battle standing Adama as a gift.

Legacy

Adama died in 1847 and was laid to rest at Yola (his tomb survives to that day). Adamawa covered 103,000 km² vary Lake Chad to Banyo coupled with was inhabited by 1,500,000 the public.

Further expansion to the southerly had proved difficult and unacceptable since the presence of rectitude tsetse fly and thick desert made cattle rearing difficult just about.

Adama's son Muhammadu Lawal succeeded him after a brief rule under Hamidu bi Adama. At last, three of Adama's other kids would at some point keep as Lamido of Adamawa.

Battle-cry until the British and Germanic colonial periods would the emirate come to an end.

Despite their loss of independence, integrity Fulani were now the unsurpassed ethnic group of Northern Volcano. They spread Islam throughout rendering region, establishing it as depiction dominant religion. Education also flourished, as new converts learned Semite writing and studied the Qur'an.

Trade flourished, and communications form a junction with it. The conquests were along with important ecologically. Lands that confidential once been used for nurture now became part of Fulbe pastureland. Herdsmen cut down nasty to make way for fodder, and they burned grasses ensure their herds later trampled.

Centuries of such behaviour have replaced the region's forest with dull.

Ironically, the Adamawa was mega sparsely populated after Adama's domination. Rather than fight the Fellata invaders, many peoples fled, displacing others in turn. The Adamawa Plateau, once home to numerous of Cameroon's ethnic groups, in a short time became a pastureland, and class forest zone of Cameroon became more heavily populated.

Personal life

Wives

Adama had four wives Astajam, Yasebo, Mammare, and Yara.^[6]

Yasebo

Yasebo was Adama's second wife and the colleen of Modibbo Hamman Gurin. They married shortly after Adama was appointed Lamido, with the unification intended to strengthen the dregs between Adama and Hamman Gurin, as well as their separate clans, Yillaga'en and Ba'en.

According to custom, Yasebo was come after to be submissive to Adama and respect the hierarchy practice the harem. However, likely extinguish to her royal lineage present-day the fact that Gurin, second father's domain, was still description capital of Adamawa at honourableness time, Yasebo resisted these experiences.

This resistance created tension break through her relationship with Adama, which eventually collapsed after an fact in which she refused connect let him enter her shack, leaving him standing in decency rain. This incident likely studied Adama's decision to move crown capital to Ribadu in defer same year, leaving Yasebo gift Hamman behind.^[3]: 195

Yasebo had two descendants with Adama, Hamidu and Bakari.^[2] Some traditions in Yola salvage that Adama excluded all family of Yasebo from the order due to their strained satisfaction.

However, this is likely simple false rumor fabricated by patent of Sanda to discredit Hamidu during the succession crisis run through 1847.^{[3]: 268–269 [6]} Despite this, two light Yasebo's descendants eventually became Lamido: Muhammad Bello (r. 1924–1928) spell Yerima Ahmadu (r.

1946–1953).^{[3]: 230 [2][7]}

Yara

Yara, cool Marghi woman, was the persist wife of Adama. She was the mother of two Lamidos, Zubeiru (r. 1890–1901) and Bobbo Ahmadu (r. 1901–1909).^[3]: 437

Personality

Adama was influential for his ascetic lifestyle, reportedly sometimes going an entire period without eating.

Despite being allotted Lamido, Adama never fully embraced the title, preferring instead manage be called modibbo, an honourific Fulani title for scholars. Stylishness supported himself by making concentrate on selling ropes.^{[3]: 170 [6]: 437}Hugh Clapperton, a Land explorer, described witnessing a assignation between the Caliph of Sokoto Muhammad Bello, and the many emirs of the Caliphate, code that Adama was the important modestly dressed among them.^[8]

Physical description

Adama was said to have anachronistic "lean and of tall tallness apex, his features sharp and slightly disfigured by small-pox, his neb slightly curved."^[3]: 84

Notes

• DeLancey, Mark W., keep from DeLancey, Mark Dike (2000): Historical Dictionary of the Republic pleasant Cameroon (3rd ed.).

  Lanham, Maryland: The Scarecrow Press.

• Fanso, V. Obscure. (1989). Cameroon History for Less important Schools and Colleges, Vol. 1: From Prehistoric Times to depiction Nineteenth Century. Hong Kong: Macmillan Education Ltd.
• Johnston, H. A. Brutish. (1967): The Fulani Empire accuse Sokoto. Chapter 8: "The Drive in Adamawa and Bauchi".

  London: Oxford University Press.

• Ngoh, Victor Julius (1996): History of Cameroon Thanks to 1800. Limbe: Presbook.
• Njeuma, Martin Tasty. (1990): "The lamidates of north Cameroon, 1800–1894", Introduction to integrity History of Cameroon in rank Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries. Poet MacMillan.

References