Kanajeji
 | This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (July 2020) |
| Kananeji | |
|---|---|
| Sarkin Kano | |
| Reign | 1390 - 1410 |
| Predecessor | Bugaya |
| Successor | Yakufu Dan Kisoki |
| Born | Kananeji |
| House | Bagauda |
| Father | Yaji I |
| Mother | Aunaka |
| Religion | Islam |
Kanajeji Dan Yaji, Known as Kanajeji was the 13th ruler of Kano and for a period, the ruler Zazzau. He reigned from 1390 - 1410. Like his father, Kaneneji was a belligerent King whose reign was characterized by war, conquest, and religious reformation. Kanajeji engaged in two long and pivotal wars with Umbatu and Zazzau, both of which he eventually prevailed in after lengthy feuds. He took Umbatu in four attempts and took Zazzau after two battles with a great number of casualties in-between. He also renewed the sovereignty of Kano over the Kwararafa which his father had imposed. However, in a bid to conquer Zazzau, his reign also saw the return of the pagan practices his father sought to expunge. He is credited with revolutionizing Kano's army through the introduction of quilted leather armors (lifidi), steel armors, coats of mail, and iron helmets.[1]
Lineage and Ascension
He was the son of the first Sultan of Kano Ali Yaji Dan Tsamiya and Aunaka. His fathers successor, his uncle, Muhammad Bugaya's short reign was pervaded with peace and tranquility because Yaji had finally solidified their family's grasp on Kano. His uncle sought repose and handed over official duties to the Galadima. Kanajeji succeeded Bugaya after his death in 1390.[1]
Reign
Kanajeji marred the peace Kano had achieved during his predecessors reign. Like his father, he immediately set out to extend the reach of the Sultanate, engaging in multiple conquests all over the region. He requested that the Kwararafa paid tribute to him like they did his father so they sent him two hundred slaves. The Kwararafa continued to send him slaves while he continued to send them horses.[1]
War with Umbatu
Kanajeji's first attempt at subduing Umbatu was a colossal failure. The casualties Kano suffered forced him to modernize his army by introducing armors, iron helmets, and coats of mail. He returned to Umbatu two more times in two successive years but failed both times. However, after failing third time, he vowed " I will not return Kano, if Allah wills, until I conquer the enemy.". The fourth attempt, he utilized the same strategy that his father used to conquer the Kwararafa years earlier; He started a siege to wait them out which lasted for two years until the people of Umbatu were starved out and forced to concede defeat because they couldn't farm. They gave the Sultan a thousand male slaves and a thousand female slaves from among their children, and then gave him another two thousand slaves.
"No one shall again conquer Umbatu as I have conquered it, though he may gain spoil." [1]
First Battle With Zazzau
After Umbatu, Kanajeji then set his sight on the Hausa State of Zazzau. This was Kano's first recorded war with Zazzau. He camped at Turunku where their armies clashed. The men of Zazzau defeated the men of Kano after which they taunted "What is Kano? Kano is 'bush!'". [1]
Reintroduction of Pagan Practices
Sarkin Tchibiri: " Re-establish the god that your father and grandfather destroyed...Whatever you wish for in this world, do as our forefathers did of old"
Kanajeji: " True, but tell me what I am to do with it...Show me, and I will do even as they did."
Disappointed by his defeat in Zazzau, the Sultan of Kano sought advice as to how to defeat them. He was advised by the Sarkin Tchibiri to reintroduce the gods his father and grandfather had suppressed. He was then guided through a few pagan rituals by Sarkin Tchibiri while singing the "Song of Barbushe". [1]
Scourge of Zazzau
A year after the first battle, Kanajeji set out to Zazzau once again. This time he camped at Gadaz and the army of Zazzau came to meet them. The army of Kano slayed the King of Zazzau and most of their chiefs. The men of Zazzau fled for their lives. He entered Zazzau and reigned near Shika for eight months where he gained much spoil from the people of Zazzau.
"Son of Kano, hurler of the kere, Kanajeji, drinker of the water of Shika, preventer of washing in the Kubanni, Lord of the town, Lord of the land"[1]
Death
Kananeji died in 1410. The three subsequent rulers of Kano were his sons, Umaru, Dauda, and Abdullahi Burja.[1]