Queen Daurama, ruler of Daura, faced a snake menace threatening her city’s water supply. Bayajidda, a brave traveler, killed the snake and married Queen Daurama. Their union produced six sons who founded the original Hausa states. Queen Daurama’s leadership and alliance with Bayajidda secured her legacy, shaping Hausa history and culture.
In the city of Daura located in northern Nigeria, lies one of the most celebrated legends in Hausa history. The story of Queen Daurama, her wisdom, and the heroism of Bayajidda is more than a tale—it is a foundational narrative the has formed the cultural and political heritage of the Hausa people.
Queen Daurama, known for her compassion and fairness, ruled Daura during a period of peace and prosperity. Her leadership was evident in the strong relationship she established with her people, a testament to the role she played in bringing stability in the region. As one of the early matriarchs of the Hausa, her influence set the foundation for the governance that would follow.
The story of Daurama takes a dramatic turn with the arrival of Bayajidda, a wandering traveler. In Daura, he encountered an infamous snake guarding the town’s well. The snake’s control over the water source had long been a challenge for the people of Daura, but Bayajidda’s victory over the serpent restored the community’s access to water.
Queen Daurama was Impressed by Bayajidda’s courage and invited him over to her palace offering half her kingdom but he proposed marriage which she accepted. Their union was not just a personal alliance but one that held great importance for the future of Daura. Their marriage led to the birth of Bawo, a key figure in the history of the Hausa states.
Bawo had six sons who became the eponymous founder of six hausa satate; Daura, Kano, Zaira, Katsina, Gobir, Rano. His half brother was the father of the founder of the seventh Hausa state, Biram. These states influence the political, social and economic landscape of the region for centuries to come
The historic union of Bayajidda (Abuyazid) and Queen Daurama left a lasting impact on the indigenous people of Hausa. Through their connection, a powerful symbol of leadership bravery and power of alliance was formed.
THE FORGOTTEN MATRIACH: QUEEN OF DAURA
