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Overview
Sokoto Caliphate
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Founded in the nineteenth century in Nigeria by Uthman Dan Fodio, who led a holy war against rulers of Hausa states in order to unite the populace under the caliphate, which was a loose confederation of emirates that recognized the leader as “commander of the faithful.” Many descendants of the founder became part of the first generation of national leaders after Nigeria achieved independence in 1960. The sultan of Sokoto is still regarded as the spiritual leader of the Muslim community, although the legislative and executive functions of government have passed to local, state, and federal bodies.
See also Dan Fodio, Uthman; Fulani Dynasty
