The story of Queen Amina of Zaria till date has been a subject of discourse among historians, researchers and scholars. In this extensive report, ABDUL ALABI delves into the historical enigmas surrounding her life, examining both the enduring myths and latest scholarly insights.
For centuries, the persona of the legendary Queen Amina of Zaria (now Zazzau Kingdom in the present Kaduna state) has loomed large in Northern Nigerian folklore. She was celebrated as a fierce warrior who expanded her kingdom’s frontiers through conquests across the present Niger, Katsina, Kano states and other parts of the north.
Her legacies transcended generations, but her actual existence has continued to divide historians. Some believed she was a powerful queen (monarch) while others were of the views that she was a princess of influence devoid of a royal title.
Adding to the mystery, historians have questioned her legendary accomplishments (supposed reign and military might), describing them as exaggerated. For instance, key details such as her place of death and precise location of some of her relics somehow are shrouded in uncertainty. That is why scholars like Dr. Godwin Kwalbe of Kaduna State University (KASU) argues that, “While Amina’s story resonates deeply in Hausa history, we have stories, traditions and relics, but no definitive proof of her life.”
This debate extends beyond her status as a queen or princess because some analysts questioned whether she was a real figure or merely a product of myth and folklore.
Amina’s birth place and where she lived
So far, historical facts have shown that there is really no dispute about Queen Amina’s place of birth; the only confusion is where she resided. History had it that she was born in 1533 at Turunku. Although often referred to as Queen Amina of Zaria, it is noteworthy that some historians believed she never actually lived in Zaria, a city now in the present-day Kaduna state. It is noteworthy that Zaria was actually named after her younger sister. Furthermore, studies have also revealed that Zazzau Emirate originally began at Turunku, which is situated in what is now the Igabi Local Government Area. Another historical account, however, indicated that Amina actually ruled from Zaria (Zazzau palace), marking her significant influence in the region.
Amina as a monarch or warrior queen
Queen Amina is often portrayed as both a warrior and a monarch, leading to differing interpretations of her legacies. Supporters of her warrior status emphasised that her military prowess and strategic campaigns expanded the territory of Zazzau. Historical narratives highlighted her role in leading troops into battle and her reputation as a fierce protector of her people. According to oral traditions, she was known to have travelled extensively and conducted military expeditions that brought significant conquests, which solidified her reputation as a warrior queen.
Conversely, another perspective posited that she was a true monarch who held significant authority over her kingdom. Advocates of this view pointed to her ceremonial roles and the political influence she wielded as ruler of Zazzau. They argued that she was not just a warrior but also a capable leader who implemented policies for her community’s welfare. This perspective is supported by evidence of her ceremonial stools strategically placed at the entrance into Turunku in Igabi LGA, symbolising her protective role over the community and engagement in governance.
Scholars and historians such as Prof Abdulkadir Adamu, the Head of Department (HOD), the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, argued that while Amina’s military achievements were significant, her status as a Queen involved deeper responsibilities beyond warfare, including governance and trade, further complicating her identity as either solely a warrior or a monarch.
According Prof Adamu, “Some Zaria historians are adamant that she was not a queen (monarch) but was a warrior princess, acknowledging, however, that when one has a strong influence, one can be compared to anything including being a monarch.
“When parents are old, the strongest child of a monarch usually have their own machinery set up differently from that of their father. You have your own military contingent. So, those well-accomplished princess and prince could have warriors that can rival that of a king anywhere. That is why they can overthrow the king when need arises. In Queen Amina’s case, she was a warrior and sometimes must have represented her kingdom to wage this war.
“It wouldn’t have been possible for her to wage these without the assistance of her father, King Bakwa. “That is why people are adamant that she didn’t rule as a monarch, but she existed and was a daughter of a monarch, the reason she was called ‘Sarauniya’ because of her personality, capacity and bravery. You know there is a Hausa proverb that says, ‘Dan Sarki ma Sarki ne’, ” he noted.
Connection between Turunku and Zaria
Some historians claimed that many are unaware that the Zazzau (Zaria) Emirate did not originally start from its present location, but at Turunku in the present-day Igabi LGA. This is also fiercely debated as majority unknowingly, but usually at Queen Amina’s existence and reigns to Zaria (Zazzau) alone.
Turunku holds historical significance as the original capital of Zazzau (Zaria) Kingdom and is often considered the birthplace of Queen Amina. Before the kingdom’s capital was relocated to Zaria, Turunku played a pivotal role in the early history of Northern Nigeria. In addition, Queen Amina’s father’s tomb is located in Turunku and fenced by the government.
Another version of historical account has it that Queen Amina’s father was the 18th ruler of Turunku and the family’s wealth came from extensive trade in leather goods, cloth, kolanut, salt, horses and metals. Due to water shortages in Turunku, Amina’s sister, Amamatu, also known as Zaria, relocated to what is now Zaria, a city that was eventually named after her.
Prof. Adamu in a chat with Blueprint said that the Zazzau Palace in Zaria was originally known as Gidan Bakwa, named after Queen Amina’s father.
According to him, “The current Emir’s palace was once called Gidan Bakwa, named after her father whose name appears on the king list. They, however, changed the name of the Zazzau Palace to Gidan Sarki following the Jihad of Usman Dan Fodiyo, but it is curious that despite this historical account, some persons still question Amina’s existence.”
Even though the palace was later renamed Gidan Sarki following the Jihad, the historical connection between Turunku and Zaria remains a crucial aspect of Queen Amina’s legacy and evokes confusion as to how two places can be attributed to one person.
Who is Bakwa Turunku?
Bakwa Turunku, often identified as the father of Queen Amina, is regarded as a key figure in the early history of Zazzau (Zaria) Kingdom. He is said to have been the 22nd ruler of the Zazzau Emirate with a reputation of a warrior/ruler who helped to establish the kingdom’s prominence through trade and military powers. His name is significant because of his connection to both Amina and her sister, Zaria, after whom the city of Zaria is reportedly named.
There is, however, some controversies surrounding Bakwa Turunku’s identity. Prof. Adamu mentioned two versions of this history. He stated that one version claims that Bakwa Turunku was a male king and was listed among the monarchs of Zazzau, while another, less widely accepted, version suggests that Bakwa Turunku might have been a woman. Despite these differing accounts, the dominant view is that he was a male ruler with his name appearing in official records of Zazzau monarchs. Curiously, Queen Amina’s name does not appear in these same records which has led to debate over the historical accuracy of some aspects of her legacies.
Prof. Adamu expressed concerns over what he called historical distortions, noting that as a result, it has become difficult to separate facts from legend in the narratives. However, he emphasised that the widespread fame and exploits of Queen Amina suggest that she must have existed, likely as a warrior princess who gained prominence because her father had no male heir, leaving her and her sister Zaria as the kingdom’s leading figures. This complex historical backdrop has added a layer to the enduring mystery and legend surrounding both Bakwa Turunku and Queen Amina.
Territories conquered by Queen Amina
Queen Amina, renowned as a fearless warrior, is said to have led military campaigns that significantly expanded the Zazzau Kingdom. According to the Sankore Institute of Islamic-African Studies International, Queen Amina launched aggressive assaults across various Hausa lands, conquering key regions such as Kano, Kogi, Bauchi, Kebbi and Katsina. These cities were forced to pay tributes and she consolidated her influence over them.
However, the scale of Queen Amina’s conquests is a subject of debate. While folklore paints a picture of a vast empire, historians argue that these tales may have evolved into a legend, blending facts with embellishments. Prof. Adamu, however, affirmed her victories noting that, “She fought many wars and won. She captured slaves from Kano, conquered Nupe kingdom, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi and received tributes of kolanuts and eunuchs.”
Tributes paid by cities that fell under Queen Amina
Another historical version narrates how Queen Amina’s reign is famously associated with military conquests that expanded the Zazzau (Zaria) Emirate’s influence over several neighboring territories. One of those prominent regions was Kano, a key city-state in the Hausa region. Kano was said to have been conquered through Queen Amina’s military prowess and required to pay tributes, making it an important centre of influence within her domain.
Another major Hausa city that fell under Queen Amina’s control was Katsina. Much like Kano, Katsina was integrated into the Zazzau Emirate’s tributary system after Amina’s military campaigns. Her influence in the region didn’t stop at the Hausa states; she extended her conquests to other ethnic groups, such as the Nupe. The Nupe people, it was gathered, sent tributes of kolanuts, slaves and other valuable goods to the Zazzau Emirate, indicating their submission to her rule.
Queen Amina’s campaigns reportedly reached as far as Bauchi where she exerted control over parts of the region, further expanding her influence. Her reach also extended to the area now known as Suleja as a result of which the town maintained political and economic links with Zazzau, staying under its influence before the establishment of modern state boundaries. To that extent, leaders of Suleja recognised the authority of Sarkin Zazzau, reflecting their tributary relationship.
However, with the creation of modern state boundaries and administrative structures by colonial and post-colonial governments, this historical connection was disrupted. Today, Suleja is no longer under the direct control of the Zazzau Emirate as the town became part of Niger state following political restructuring.
Despite this, the historical legacy of Zazzau’s influence in Suleja still resonates. For instance, the cultural and political ties between the two regions are recognised and the custodial role of Suleja in preserving parts of this shared heritage is a reflection of the emirate system’s enduring legacy.
Just like Suleja, Idah, located along the River Niger in present-day Kogi state (a North-Central geo-political zone), was historically linked to Queen Amina’s Kingdom. Although distant, its strategic position as a trading hub along the River Niger made it a key point for commerce. Queen Amina’s expansion into regions like Idah strengthened Zazzau’s influence across Northern Nigeria by integrating critical trade routes into her empire. The town’s access to resources from the Niger is said to have helped to sustain the tributary relationships Amina established throughout her conquests.
Another important region influenced by Amina’s campaigns was Keffi, located in modern Nasarawa state also in the North-Central geopolitical zone. Keffi’s strategic location along key trade routes also helped to solidify its relationship with the Zazzau Emirate during Amina’s reign. Through control of these regions, she secured dominance over major trade routes, ensuring the flow of valuable goods like salt and kolanuts, contributing to the economic power of Zazzau during her reign.
These territories formed part of the vast network of influence that Queen Amina established, making her kingdom a formidable regional power in West Africa. However, the exact extent of her conquests remains a subject of historical debate, as much of what is known about her has been embellished over time in local folklore.
Legacies/relics of Queen Amina
While tangible relics of Queen Amina have largely vanished over time, remnants of her influence persist across various locations. Prof. Adamu noted that regalia such as clothing and the Staff of Office may have once existed but have since been lost. He also stated that some artifacts established by her descendants after they were displaced during the Jihad might still be found in Suleja.
He mentioned a carved stone throne in Turunku, Amina’s birthplace, believed to be her royal seat. The city walls of Zazzau Palace, often referred to as ‘Ganon Amina’, are linked to her military efforts, although they have undergone numerous modifications.
On his part, Dr. Kwalbe raised doubts about the existence of any relics associated with Amina, pointing out the lack of clarity regarding her burial site. According to him, “For such a great figure, nobody knows where she was buried after her death.” This sentiment highlights the challenges in tracing the historical record, especially when it comes to prominent figures like Queen Amina.
Despite these uncertainties, a visit to Turunku by Blueprint reveals significant historical sites, including tie-and-dye wells purportedly used by Amina’s people. A rocky mountain where she lived, a game board, known today as ‘ayo’ carved into a flat rock, suggesting leisure activities of the time. Other notable sites include Dutsen Hiya, where Amina prayed for victory and Dutsen Boyewa, an underground tunnel for hiding children during conflicts.
These landmarks reinforce her role as the community’s protector. Her stools at the northern and southern entrances of Turunku, Kofar Arewa and Kofar Kudu, allowed her to spot advancing enemies ahead. Alongside these were large grinding stones and poison mortars used in warfare preparation.
The question of her burial site remains unresolved, with no known tomb to commemorate to back up her existence. Despite the absence of preserved relics, Queen Amina’s enduring impact on history and folklore is maintained through these physical remnants and the stories passed down through generations.
Neglect of Queen Amina’s historical sites and relics
Despite the lasting impact of the warrior queen, Turunku has been neglected in terms of preservation and public awareness. The town has the potential to generate significant revenue through tourism and historical interests but remains largely deserted. Government’s presence is limited to a fence surrounding the tomb of Queen Amina’s father, with little else to mark the area’s historical importance or significance. Consequently, the legacy of Queen Amina and her community is at risk of being forgotten by future generations.
During the visit to Turunku, for instance, it was observed that the tomb of Amina’s father was overrun with weeds despite being enclosed, reflecting lack of upkeep and minimal attraction for visitors. The traditional tie and dye wells, known as ‘Rijiyan Rini’ in Hausa, which were once utilised by Amina and her people, are similarly neglected, with agricultural activities encroaching on the area thereby obscuring the town’s rich heritage.
Moreover, there is no clearly defined pathway to the mountain linked to Queen Amina’s existence, although a tour guide mentioned an accessible route. This absence of proper infrastructure limits opportunities for tourism and public interaction with these historical sites.
Despite the existence of these culturally significant locations, there is a noticeable lack of initiatives aimed at their protection or promotion, which threatens to erode this valuable heritage.
Her marital status and controversial death
Queen Amina’s marital status is a subject of intrigue, with varying accounts detailing her relationships. According to a local historian Ahmed Isa, Queen Amina was never married and had no children. Instead, she allegedly took temporary mates from among the legions of enemies she defeated, spending one night with them before executing them to ensure their silence regarding their encounter. This practice underscored her fierce independence and the warrior culture she embodied.
As for her death, one prominent narrative claimed that Amina committed suicide during a military campaign at Dekina, in present-day Kogi state. After a successful military exploit there, she reportedly failed to execute a temporary husband due to a soothsayer’s prophecy that warned of her impending conquest. In this account, she became distraught over her inability to kill the man and ultimately took her own life by jumping into a river, and was later buried in Idah.
Another version of her death had it that she drowned while attempting to cross River Niger in Suleja. This account is supported by scholars, including Prof. Adamu, who asserted that the people of Suleja serve as custodians of some of her relics. Despite the differing locations about Idah or Suleja, what remains consistent is the notion that Amina’s death occurred far from her kingdom of Zazzau, indicating she was still on for conquest when her life came to an end.
Commenting on this, Dr. Kwalbe said, “For such a great figure, we were told nobody knew where she was buried after her death. Can anyone show us her burial site? We only knew she died in a war. Remember that we have celebrated tombs of prominent people like Usman Dan Fodiyo.”
These contrasting stories reflect the complexities of her legacies and highlight how historical narratives can evolve over time, contributing to the enigma of Queen Amina.
In honor of Queen Amina
Queen Amina, celebrated as a legendary warrior queen, has inspired various forms of media and public tributes that honoured her extraordinary life and legacies. Her story has been dramatised in notable films, books and public memorials, showcasing her as one of Africa’s earliest and most powerful female rulers.
In cinema, her life has been brought to the screen through significant productions. A prominent example is the 2021 Nigerian historical film Amina, which dramatises her military conquests and reign, portraying her as a fearless leader who expanded her kingdom. Additionally, the 2017 documentary ‘Aminatu: The Warrior Queen’ explores her life in details, focusing on her military achievements and impact, thus providing audiences with a factual understanding of her significance.
Literature has also played a vital role in preserving Queen Amina’s story. Books like ‘Queen Amina of Zazzau’ by Janice Williams offer a fictionalised account of her reign, combining historical facts with engaging story-telling. Similarly, ‘Amina of Zaria: The Warrior Queen’ by Philip Sherlock and Hazel Bennett targets younger audiences, making her inspiring tale accessible to the next generation. These literary contributions ensure her legacies continue to resonate.
Public memorials further commemorate her influence, particularly in Zaria where a large statue stands in her honour. This monument symbolises her importance in the region’s history. Additionally, places like Amina Street and Queen Amina Hall at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, keep her memory alive in the public consciousness. Such monuments could not have been named after fictional figure.
Television and stage productions have also contributed to her legacy. Local series and theatrical performances often depict Queen Amina as a strong, fearless woman in a predominantly male society, allowing audiences to engage dynamically with her life and achievements.
Through films, books, documentaries and public tributes, Queen Amina’s legacy is celebrated, serving as a powerful reminder of female leadership and strength in African history. Her story continues to inspire and would be remembered for generations to come.
Northern women yet to make name like Queen Amina
Despite the historical significance of Queen Amina as a powerful female leader, Northern Nigeria has not produced another monarch/warrior of her calibre since her time. Dr Kwalbe questions why the accomplishments of Amina have not inspired northern women in the region. He emphasised that the patriarchal structure prevalent in the traditional Northern Nigerian society has limited opportunities for women in positions of power. This lack of continuity raises concerns about the historical narrative surrounding female leadership and its implications for contemporary society.
Prof. Adamu, however, countered this perspective by pointing out that while there have been influential women, such as Gambo Sawaba and Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe Sanga of Kaduna, these figures have not attained the same level of authority as Queen Amina. He noted that although women like Usman Danfodiyo’s daughters held titles of significance after the jihad, the modern context offers fewer opportunities for women to rise to positions of leadership.
Both scholars underscored the complexities surrounding the role of women in leadership within a predominantly patriarchal framework. The absence of another figure like Queen Amina reflects not only historical trends but also cultural attitudes that continue to shape the perception of women in power today. According to them, for further insights into the discussions around female leadership in Northern Nigeria, more information can be found in various academic and historical sources.
Queen Amina: A myth or a reality?
Dr. Kwalbe’s perspective questions the historical accuracy of Queen Amina’s existence, suggesting that without evidence of other female rulers before and after her in Zazzau and Northern Nigeria, her story may be more mythical than real. He challenges the accepted narrative, arguing that if Queen Amina truly existed, it would be logical to see a tradition of female leadership during that era, rather than her being an isolated case. His skepticism is based on the absence of a continuous line of female rulers, which leads him to doubt the authenticity of Queen Amina’s story. In essence, he raised a point about the lack of corroborating historical patterns that could validate the uniqueness of her reign.
He argued, “To me, Queen Amina is just a myth, except we come up with facts to convince us that before her, there were female rulers in Zazzau and other northern states in pre-colonial era and that there were after her. It couldn’t have just begun with her and ended with her. No! With this I challenge that history.”
