The title “Shehu of Borno” is indeed a traditional title in Nigeria. It is the highest ruler of the Borno Emirate. The Shehu is a leader of the Kanuri people and has been a powerful figure in the region’s history.
That said, the title has been held by different rulers since the establishment of the emirate in the early 20th century, with the current Shehu, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba, recognized as an influential traditional leader today.
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List Of Shehu Of Borno From 1809 Till Date
No | Name | Reign Start | Reign End |
|---|---|---|---|
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 | Current |
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First Shehu Of Borno
The first Shehu of Borno was Muhammad al-Amin al-Kanemi, a prominent Islamic scholar, political leader, and military strategist. Al-Kanemi rose to influence in the early 19th century amid the turmoil of the Sokoto Jihad, led by Usman dan Fodio, which threatened the Kanem-Bornu Empire.
Although not initially a monarch, he became an ally to the weakened Bornu rulers, helping them defend against Fulani forces. His reputation grew as he successfully defended Bornu territories through both ideological and military means.
Known for engaging in theological debates, he challenged the religious grounds of the jihad. Over time, his influence allowed him to take on the title of Shehu of Borno.
In 1814, he established the city of Kukawa as the capital. After al-Kanemi died in 1837, his lineage continued to rule, replacing the old Sayfawa dynasty that had ruled Bornu for centuries.
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Who Is The Current Shehu Of Borno?
The current Shehu of Borno is Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba El-Kanemi, serving since March 2, 2009, after being appointed by the then Governor of Borno State, Ali Modu Sheriff.
Born on May 13, 1957, in Damagum, Yobe State, he comes from the Kanemi dynasty. His father was Umar Ibn Muhammad of Borno, and he followed the Islamic faith.
Abubakar’s education began at Government College Maiduguri, where he completed his secondary schooling. After that, he went to the Staff Training Centre in Potiskum and earned a certificate in local government studies.
In 1976, he started working for the Borno State Government. His education continued as he attended Kaduna Polytechnic from 1978 to 1982, earning an Advanced Diploma in Local Government Administration from Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria in 1986.
Throughout his career, Abubakar had served in several positions in the Borno State Government. He served as Permanent Secretary in different ministries, including Finance, Works and Housing, and Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
After becoming Shehu, he received the Kanuri investiture, known as “bayatu,” on March 4, 2009. In his first public speech as Shehu, Abubakar addressed issues like poverty in Borno.
He urged the people to avoid living a life of begging and instead strive for meaningful employment. Abubakar is married and has three wives, with whom he has 15 children.