HISTORICIZING THE EXTANT REMOTE CAUSES OF THE USMAN DAN FODIO’S 1804 JIHAD: A LESSON FOR THE NIGERIAN CONTEMPORARY LEADERS

Résumé

This paper focuses on the history and remote causes of the 1804 Usman dan Fodio’s jihad as an event that took place in the ancient Hausa land, spread beyond it and has become topical and inspirational to many people. It observes that leadership played a pivotal role in the success of the jihad. It outlines some principles of effective leadership, roles of leadership to the existence or otherwise of any society and valuable lessons Nigerian leaders can sieve from the 1804 Usman dan Fodio’s jihad so as to avoid the repeated quests and launching of jihads in Nigeria. The study submits that if Nigerian leaders want to avert the incessant destruction of lives and property spurred by the jihadists, they must learn from all the shortfalls, weaknesses and mistakes of the kings of pre jihadist Hausa land and adopt superior ideologies that will ensure mutual respects, relationships, justice, equity and fairness to all and sundry.