THE HAUSA PEOPLE AND THEIR CITIES EXISTED LONG BEFORE THE LEGEND OF BAYAJIDDA. The first empires to flourish after the fall of the Nok civilization included the Hausa empire, which existed long before the birth of Prophet Isa (Jesus), peace be upon him. The Hausa empire covered much of what is now Northwestern Nigeria 🇳🇬, parts of the North Central region, parts of today’s Bauchi State, and extended into Southern Niger 🇳🇪. This empire operated under a structured political system where a king (sarki) or sometimes a queen (Sarauniya/Magajiya) ruled the various city-states. Even then, the Hausa people practiced gender inclusivity, allowing women to attain positions of power, with some becoming the sole rulers of entire city-states (queens or sarauniya). Today, Hausa-speaking people or ethnic Hausas can be found in more than 15 African countries, including Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, Ghana, Sudan, Eritrea, Congo, Togo, Libya, Algeria, Chad, Mauritania, and others. In fact, there is hardly any country in the world without Hausa speakers. Many powerful Hausa kingdoms existed even before the birth of Prophet Isa (Jesus), peace be upon him. These kingdoms developed Hausa land in such a way that it attracted other ethnic groups to migrate to the region due to its advancement in craftsmanship, agriculture, animal husbandry, trade, weaving, and, above all, peace which is the foundation of progress in any society. There were ancient Hausa cities whose names have faded or changed over time. Some are now part of larger Hausa kingdoms that still exist today. For example, cities like Santolo, Fanisau, and Fanshekara were once prominent but are now part of the Kano kingdom. Likewise, cities such as Durbi, Yandoto, Dan Ranko, Kuyambana, Fawwa, Kwatarkwashi, and Samri predated the founding of present-day Katsina. Others like Kufaina, Turunku, Kawuri, Anchau, and Kuzuntu existed before the city of Zaria was established. In the Gobir kingdom, cities such as Maranda, Tsibiri, and Birnin Lalle flourished long before the founding of Alkalawa, which became the capital of Gobir. Each and Every Hausa region had prominent cities before the founding of modern Hausa cities. In Zamfara, kings and queens ruled long before the 9th century. One of the most renowned queens from this region was Queen Yar Goje. Daura Kingdom In Daura, women held leadership roles long before the current city was established. These rulers came from earlier generations of queens who lived in the old city of Daura. Women such as Nana Bilkisu ruled with full authority, and titles like kabara or magajiya were commonly used. This lasted until a major shift occurred during the reign of Queen Daurama II, when The Patriarchal leadership replaced matriarchal rule. ✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️ Here is a list of queens who ruled in Daura: Kufuru (the first queen, who succeeded her father King Abdirda) Ginu Yakumo Yakunya Wanzamu Gizir-gizir Inna-gari Daurama I Ga Wata Shata Fatatuma Sai Da Mata Ja Mata Ha Mata Zama Shawata Daurama II (circa 9th century) In later centuries, other legendary queens emerged, such as Queen Amina and Queen Yar Mangu, who ruled during times when men had predominantly taken over leadership. Each of them made significant contributions to their people. Queen Yar Mangu notably fought against the French colonialists and inflicted heavy losses on them an unprecedented resistance in West Africa at the time. Queen Amina, on the other hand, developed Zazzau by initiating major infrastructure, such as Amina’s walls, and expanding the kingdom as far as the banks of the River Niger. The legend of bayajidda is just a fictional, Fabricated History and it has nothing to do with Hausa people.