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In the 1820s, Modibbo Adama led campaigns into the Mandara country in person and defeated Bukama, Sultan of Mandara at Guidder. Consequently, he sacked and took over the western Mandara districts of Mubi, Moda, Michika and Uba. Ardo Dau of the Wolarbe clan rode into Kilba land but could not subdue these hill villages. However, the Ardo “obtained a hold over the Kilba, partly by force and partly by diplomacy. A modus vivendi was established which enabled Fulani and Kilba to trade at the border market of Bila Kilba, where many a public malefactor was disposed of by sale as a slave.” 5 At about the same time, Modibbo Adama gained Holma through a marriage alliance between one of the Fulbe leaders and the daughter of Dimetelli, the pagan chief.
In the early 1830s, Modibbo Adama extended his war campaign to the north and conquered Njirai-Bata districts of Malabu and Zummo. He later turned west and established a fort at Song. In the 1840s, Modibbo Adama was able to intensify his war efforts against the Bata and Verre tribes, especially after settling in his new capital, Yola in 1841. He also set up military posts against the Bata at Namtari, Beti Sebore and Nyibango.
Even in his advanced age, Modibbo Adama continued his fight against the Bata, Marghi and Mandara territories in the north, while his generals forged ahead into the south and east by expanding into Laro, Koncha, Banyo, Tibati, Ngaundere, Rai and Chamba.
Modibbo Adama died in 1848 in his bed at the age of 77. He had accomplished a mission which took 42 years of his life fighting for Islam and culminating in the establishment of an emirate left behind as a legacy. His worldly possessions at the time of his death were only his books and the Holy Qur'an, simple clothes, a mule he used on preaching tours and four wives. He led a humble life and did not bequeath any slaves or concubines because he did not keep any. Modibbo had a reputation for great learning and his people respected him as a scholar rather than a warrior. He was said to have undertaken about eleven pilgrimages to Sokoto and is fondly remembered till today for his piety.
Modibbo Adama was blessed with fourteen children; eleven sons and three daughters. His first wife Asta Jam gave birth to 7 children: Lauwal, Usman, Mansur, Umaru, Fadimatu, Addo Gurin and Hauwa'u. His second wife, Yasebo, begat two children: Hamidu and Bakari. His third wife, Mammare, had only a child, Haliru. The fourth wife, Jahra, delivered four children: Zubairu, Aliyu, Hamman, Sani and Bobbo Ahmadu. |
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The passing away of Modibbo Adama, the great scholar and warrior, 160 years ago was such a tragic event in the Sokoto Caliphate that the lamentation of a scholar, Mallam Adamu Gana, still echoes in this tribute:
The light of faith has disappeared,
Fear has gripped the whole society
And we foresee days of sorrow ahead.
A generation has gone with the passing away
Of the great learned Modibbo Adama,
A renowned scholar of scholars. He lived an exemplary life and
Held the banner of Islam high.
Enumerating all these would serve no purpose.
Further shed of tears and sadness
In our minds will solve no problem.
We must all accept what has befallen us
As an act of God.
We know through history that the death
Of prophets, caliphs, sheikhs and leaders generally are not uncommon.
There can be no remedy to it
Since the world is not a lasting place.
The best we can do is pray.
May Allah grant our leader
A peaceful rest in paradise. (Click Next to continue)
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