User:BlueSahelian/Sanda

Umaru Sanda bin Adama (died 1890) was the third Lamido of Adamawa Emirate.

Succession crisis
After the death of Muhammad Lauwal (r. 1842 – 1872), a full-brother to Sanda, Adamawa experienced a succession crisis. The kingmakers, consisting of the Yola saraki'en and the district governors neighboring Yola, were divided into two factions. The Yola aristocracy and influential mallams (learned men) supported Sanda to succeed Lauwal, while Hamidu, the eldest surviving son of Modibbo Adama, had primary backing from his districts of Hibango and Nassarawo and his mother's home of Gurin.

Hamidu shared Lauwal's views, seeing Adama's jihad as essential for ensuring the emirate's 'greatness'. Known as a courageous military leader, Hamidu dedicated his life to the jihad cause, which alienated the Sandites and mallams who wanted an end to the jihad. To undermine Hamidu's succession claim, the Sandites asserted that Modibbo Adama had chosen his initial three successors, namely Lauwal, then Sanda, and then Zubeiru, before his death in 1848. They further sent a letter to Ahmadu Rufai, Caliph of the Sokoto Caliphate, claiming that the majority had chosen Sanda to succeed Lauwal. The Hamidites also sent a delegation to Sokoto to present their case.

After considering both arguments, Rufai chose Hamidu "because of his age, learning, and the part he had played in the jihad." The Sandites refused to accept this decision, pushing Adamawa to the brink of civil war. Backed by Sokoto, Hamidu gave the councillors at Yola seven days to capitulate or face a forceful takeover. He began preparing his troops at Hibango, but before his ultimatum expired, he was found dead in his bedroom. The councillors informed the Sokoto Caliph of Hamidu's death, leading to the confirmation of Sanda's appointment.