Submission to the British.—In 1885, during "the scramble for Africa," the then sultan of Sokoto concluded a treaty with the company afterwards known as the Royal Niger Company, giving it certain rights of sovereignty throughout his dominions. These rights were transferred in 190o to the British Crown, but it was not until 1903, after what is known as the Kano campaign (see NIGERIA), that British authority was established. The city of Sokoto made formal submission in March 1903; the sultan fled and was the next year killed in battle. The Fula chose a new sultan, who took the oath of allegiance to the British and retained many of the old rights of the sultans. After the establishment of British rule farmers and herdsmen reoccupied districts and the inhabitants of cities flocked back to the land, rebuilding villages which had been deserted for fifty years.
The emir of Gwandu, treated on the same terms as the emirs of Kano and Sokoto, proved less loyal and had to be deposed, another emir being installed in his place. In 1906 a rising at tributed to religious fanaticism occurred near Sokoto, the leader of the insurgents claiming to be a Mandi inspired to drive the white man out of the country. A British force marched against
the rebels, who were overthrown with great loss in March, 1906. The leader was condemned to death in the sultan's court and executed in the market place of Sokoto. The incident was note worthy for the display of loyalty to the British administration which it evoked from the native rulers after so short an experi ence of its working. For his loyal action the sultan was made a C.M.G. This sultan, Attahari, showed himself to be a progres sive ruler. He died in 1915 and his successor, Mohammed Mai turare, who was, in 1921, also made a C.M.G., continued his policy. A rising of the Taureg in the neighbouring French territory in 1916 had no effect in Sokoto save to show the loyalty of sultan and people to the British. Under the advice of the British resi dent the native government proved increasingly efficient. Finance, education and public works were departments in which much activity was displayed.
vol. xxiv. (1904) • (F. L. L.; F. R. C.)