Dunama IX Lefiami

Dunama IX Lefiami was the sultan the Kanuri empire of Borno, located in what is now Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad during the early nineteenth century. He was twice made ruler, first by his father and then by supporters loyal to him after he was deposed in 1809.

Life

Dunma succeeded his father, Ahmad Alimi, an old and fragile ruler who was constantly faced with attacks led by Uthman Dan Fodio, a Fulani warrior who was waging a Jihad west of Bornu. Dunama took on power in the midst of external challenges to the empire. To help secure Bornu, he invited an Islamic warrior and scholar, El Kanemi, who had success in battles with the Fulani. The two combined forces and restricted the expansion of the Fulani Jihad eastward. Dunama rewarded El Kanemi with innumerable gifts and titles. However, members of the empire's court who were weary about the circumstances of his ascension to the throne decided to depose him in 1809. Dunama's uncle Mohammed Ngileruma was made the new king. However, the new monarch refused to give due respect to El Kanemi and was finally deposed by El Kanemi and a few other supporters of Dunama IX Lefiami. By the time, El Kanemi had emerged the most powerful individual in the kingdom.