Who Is the Founder of Hausaland?
Hausaland, or Kasar Hausa, is one of the most ancient and culturally rich civilizations in West Africa. The Hausa people are known for their long history of trade, governance, scholarship, and craftsmanship. Their language, Hausa, is spoken by over 50 million people, making it one of the most widely spoken languages in Africa.
But many people have asked: Who is the founder of Hausaland?
To understand this question, we must go back many centuries to the early legends, historical records, and cultural narratives that shaped the Hausa identity.
1. What Is Hausaland?
Before identifying who is the founder of Hausaland, it’s important to understand what Hausaland means.
Hausaland refers to the collection of ancient city-states and kingdoms inhabited by the Hausa people. These city-states were independent political entities, each ruled by a king (Sarki), yet they shared common traditions, language, religion, and cultural practices.
The Major Hausa City-States (The Hausa Bakwai)
According to Hausa tradition, there were seven true Hausa states known as the Hausa Bakwai:
- Daura
- Kano
- Katsina
- Zazzau (Zaria)
- Gobir
- Rano
- Biram (Hadejia area)
In addition, there were seven “related” or “imitative” Hausa states called the Banza Bakwai, such as Kebbi, Zamfara, Nupe, Yauri, and others.
But the origin of all these states — their formation, culture, and unity — goes back to a single legend and a single man: Bayajidda.
2. So, Who Is the Founder of Hausaland?
According to Hausa oral history and centuries-old traditions, the founder of Hausaland is Bayajidda (sometimes spelled Bayajida or Abuyazidu).
Bayajidda is a legendary hero and traveler believed to have come from Baghdad (Iraq) or the Middle East, long before Islam spread widely in West Africa.
His journey, adventures, and marriage to the Queen of Daura, known as Daurama, are said to have established the royal bloodline and political structure that birthed all Hausa states.
Therefore, when answering the question “Who is the founder of Hausaland?”, the traditional and historical answer is:
Bayajidda — the legendary hero from Baghdad — is regarded as the founder of Hausaland.
3. The Legend of Bayajidda: The Hero Who Founded the Hausa States
Let’s dive into the full story, as told by Hausa griots (traditional storytellers) and recorded by historians.
Bayajidda’s Journey
Long ago, a noble man named Bayajidda fled from his homeland in Baghdad after a dispute with his father or king. Some versions say he was a prince; others say he was a warrior.
He traveled across Africa until he reached Borno, where he married a princess. However, fearing that the King of Borno might harm him, he left his wife there and continued westward — eventually reaching Daura, a small town ruled by Queen Daurama.
The Serpent of Daura
At that time, Daura had a serious problem: the town’s only well, called Kusugu Well, was guarded by a gigantic serpent (Sarki). The people could only fetch water once a week, on Fridays.
When Bayajidda heard of the serpent, he decided to help. One night, he went to the well, waited for the serpent to come out, and killed it with his sword.
The next morning, the people were overjoyed to find the serpent dead and the well safe. Queen Daurama invited Bayajidda to her palace and rewarded him for his bravery. Later, she married him.
The Birth of the Hausa States
Bayajidda and Queen Daurama had a son named Bawo.
Bawo later had seven sons, and each one of them founded one of the Hausa Bakwai states:
| Son of Bawo | State Founded |
|---|---|
| Biram | Biram (Hadejia area) |
| Daura | Daura |
| Kano | Kano |
| Katsina | Katsina |
| Zazzau | Zaria |
| Rano | Rano |
| Gobir | Gobir |
These seven became known as the Hausa Bakwai, or “the Seven True Hausa States.”
Therefore, the foundation of Hausaland — the uniting identity of the Hausa people — began with Bayajidda and his descendants.
4. Historical Interpretations of the Legend
While the Bayajidda story is rooted in oral tradition, historians and anthropologists have tried to interpret it from a historical perspective.
A. Symbolic Interpretation
Some scholars believe Bayajidda is not a single person, but a symbolic representation of early cultural contact between North Africa (especially Arab traders) and the indigenous West African peoples.
The marriage to Queen Daurama could symbolize the blending of foreign and local cultures, which gave rise to the Hausa civilization.
B. Migration and Trade
Others interpret Bayajidda’s story as evidence of early migration from North Africa and the Middle East to Hausaland — bringing with them ironworking, trade, and early Islamic influence.
The legend might also reflect how trade routes connected regions like Kano, Katsina, and Daura to the greater trans-Saharan economy.
C. Political Unity
Bayajidda’s seven sons symbolically represent the unity of different Hausa kingdoms under one origin story. It helped the people see themselves as part of one greater Hausa identity, despite being in different city-states.
5. The Role of Daura in the Founding of Hausaland
To fully answer “Who is the founder of Hausaland?”, we must also understand the city of Daura, because it is the birthplace of the Hausa civilization.
Daura: The Cradle of Hausa Civilization
Daura is located in present-day Katsina State, Nigeria. It is considered the oldest Hausa city and the spiritual home of all Hausas.
It was in Daura that Bayajidda killed the serpent, married Queen Daurama, and started the royal lineage of the Hausa people. The Daura Emirate remains one of the most respected traditional institutions in Nigeria today.
The Kusugu Well
The Kusugu Well, where Bayajidda killed the serpent, still exists in Daura. It is now a historical site and a symbol of Hausa origin.
Visitors from across Nigeria and West Africa come to see it, especially during festivals that celebrate the legend of Bayajidda.
6. The Hausa Bakwai and Their Legacy
The Hausa Bakwai — the seven original states — each developed unique identities, but all traced their roots to Bayajidda. Let’s briefly explore each one.
1. Daura
The first Hausa city and the birthplace of Hausa civilization. Known for tradition, royalty, and religion.
2. Kano
A major trade and manufacturing hub. Known for dye pits, leather, and the famous Kano Chronicle, which records the city’s early rulers.
3. Katsina
A center of Islamic learning and scholarship. Home to the ancient Gobarau Minaret — one of the oldest mosques in West Africa.
4. Zazzau (Zaria)
A powerful kingdom ruled by the famous Queen Amina, who expanded the Hausa territories through war and diplomacy.
5. Rano
Known for textile production and trade in agricultural goods.
6. Gobir
Played a central role in Hausa politics. Later became a key part of the Sokoto Caliphate after the Fulani Jihad of 1804.
7. Biram
Less politically dominant but regarded as one of the oldest settlements tied to Bayajidda’s descendants.
7. How the Hausa Civilization Expanded
After the formation of the Hausa Bakwai, the Hausa influence spread widely across northern Nigeria and parts of Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and Ghana.
They established thriving trade centers along trans-Saharan trade routes, dealing in gold, salt, leather, kola nuts, and textiles.
Their embrace of Islam in the 13th century helped strengthen their education and administration.
By the 15th and 16th centuries, cities like Kano and Katsina were among the most prosperous in West Africa.
8. Religion and the Rise of Islam in Hausaland
Though Bayajidda’s story predates Islam, the religion later became the backbone of Hausa culture.
Islam reached Hausaland through trade and scholars from North Africa.
By the 14th century, most Hausa rulers had converted to Islam, and Islamic law (Sharia) began to shape governance.
The influence of Islam further united the Hausa people and enhanced literacy through the Arabic script known as Ajami.
9. Cultural Legacy of Bayajidda and the Hausa People
Bayajidda’s legend didn’t just explain the political origin of the Hausa — it shaped their cultural values.
A. Respect for Leadership
Every Hausa community recognizes a leader (Sarki), symbolizing the ancient kings descended from Bayajidda.
B. Emphasis on Family and Lineage
The idea that all Hausa are descendants of one hero emphasizes kinship, respect for ancestry, and unity.
C. Heroism and Courage
Bayajidda’s bravery is celebrated as a model of courage, honor, and strength — traits deeply valued in Hausa tradition.
10. Modern Significance — Why the Question Still Matters
Even in modern times, the question “Who is the founder of Hausaland?” remains relevant because it connects millions of Hausa-speaking people to their shared history.
It gives them a common identity despite living across different countries and political boundaries.
Festivals, literature, and traditional schools still teach the Bayajidda legend as part of Hausa heritage — reminding everyone that their story began with one brave traveler who changed history.
11. Summary of Key Facts
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who is the founder of Hausaland? | Bayajidda, the hero from Baghdad |
| Where did he settle? | Daura, in present-day Katsina State |
| Who did he marry? | Queen Daurama |
| Who was their son? | Bawo |
| What are the Hausa Bakwai? | Seven true Hausa states founded by Bawo’s sons |
| Why is Daura important? | It’s the cradle and spiritual home of all Hausa people |
12. Conclusion
So, who is the founder of Hausaland?
The answer is clear:
Bayajidda, the heroic traveler and warrior from Baghdad, is regarded as the founder of Hausaland.
Through his bravery in Daura, marriage to Queen Daurama, and his descendants — the founders of the seven Hausa Bakwai states — Bayajidda established the foundation of Hausa civilization.
From that beginning in Daura, the Hausa people grew into one of the most influential cultural groups in Africa, spreading across borders with a shared language, faith, and tradition.
Today, when you hear Hausa spoken in Nigeria, Niger, Chad, or Ghana, remember that its roots trace back to Bayajidda and the ancient land of Daura — the heart of Hausaland.