Umaru (sultan)

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| name = Umaru

| title = Sarkin Kano

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| reign = 1410-1421

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| predecessor = Kanajeji

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| successor = Dauda

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| house = Bagauda Dynasty

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| father = Kanajeji

| mother = Yatara

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Umaru (or Umar) was a Sultan of Kano who reigned from 1410 to 1421.{{cite journal|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/274508274_Historical_Metaphors_in_the_Kano_Chronicle|title=Historical Metaphors in the Kano Chronicle|date=1980|last=Last|first=Murray|work=History in Africa|volume=7|pages=161–178|doi=10.2307/3171660}}{{citation |editor-last=Palmer |editor-first=Herbert Richmond |editor-link=Herbert Richmond Palmer |title=The Kano Chronicle |work=Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland |volume= 38 |year=1908 |pages=58–98 |url= https://archive.org/stream/v38a39journalofro38royauoft#page/n87/mode/2up |via=Internet Archive | ref=none }}; in [https://books.google.com/books?id=NsYEAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA58 Google Books]. {{PD-notice}}

Umaru was a prominent traditional ruler who held the title of Sultan (also referred to as emir or traditional chief) in the historic region of Kano, located in present-day Nigeria. Renowned for his leadership, wisdom, and dedication to public service, Umaru played a notable role in the political and cultural development of Kano during his reign.{{Cite web |title=Umaru, Sultan of Kano: Bioqrafiya |url=https://boo.world/az/database/profile/1020442/umaru-sultan-of-kano-personality-type |access-date=2025-04-22 |website=Boo |language=az}}

His tenure was marked by significant efforts to promote peace, stability, and prosperity within the region. Umaru was widely respected for his capacity to mediate disputes, uphold justice, and prioritize the welfare of his subjects. Under his rule, Kano witnessed advancements in agriculture, trade, and education, contributing to a period of sustained growth and development.

As a traditional leader, Umaru earned admiration both within Kano and from neighboring regions. His administration was characterized by fairness, integrity, and a deep commitment to the principles of justice. His leadership style emphasized responsibility, honor, and compassion, attributes that endeared him to his people and solidified his legacy.

Umaru's contributions to the political and cultural fabric of Kano have been acknowledged in historical accounts, and his legacy continues to be remembered as that of one of the most respected and influential sultans in the history of the region.

Biography in the ''Kano Chronicle''

Below is a biography of Umaru from Palmer's 1908 English translation of the Kano Chronicle:

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|text=The 14th Sarki was Umaru. He mother’s name was Yatara. He was a mallam earnest in prayer. He was a pupil of Dan Gurdamus Ibrahimu and a friend of Abubakra.

When he became Sarkin Kano, his friend upbraided and left him and went to Bornu, where he remained 11 years. On his return to Kano, finding Umaru still Sarkin Kano, he said to him: “O Umaru, you still like the fickle dame who has played you false, with whom better reflection refuses to be troubled. In time you will be disgusted, and get over your liking for her. Then regret will be futile even if you do regret.”

He preached to him about the next world and its pains and punishments. He reviled this world and everything in it. Umaru said, “I accept your admonition.”

He called together all the Kanawa, and said to them: “This high estate is a trap for the erring: 1 wash my hands of it.”

Then he resigned, and went away with his friend. He spent the rest of his life in regret for his actions while he had been Sarki. Hence he was called “Dan Terko.”

He ruled 12 years. In his time there was no war and no robbery. The affairs of Kano were put into the hands of the Galadima. For this reason it was said of the Galadima Dana that he was the “Trusted guardian of the city, the dust-heap of disputes.”

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References

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|years=1410-1421}}

Category:Monarchs of Kano