Etsu Masaba The Great

This book stands as the most comprehensive biography to date, delving into the life and legacy of Etsu Masaba the Great. The annals of Dendo Fulani history, both in Raba and Bida, are indelibly marked by the extraordinary persona of Etsu Masaba. His narrative unfolds as a testament to unparalleled ambition, valor, and intellect. Moreover, Masaba emerges as a ruler and leader of exceptional skill, a rarity not easily found in other regions of Nigeria.

Etsu Masaba, born to Mallam Dendo, inherits a legacy defined by the profound influence of his father, the illustrious Fulani Mallam who, in the 19th century, orchestrated transformative changes in the history of Nupeland. Masaba’s story takes a decisive turn with his rebellion against his elder brother, Etsu Usman Zaki, who had ascended to the throne of the Etsu Nupe. This revolt becomes the catalyst for a series of extensive and enduring conflicts, both within and outside the Fulani community. The ensuing clashes, battles, and wars intricately weave into the fabric of Nupe Nation’s history throughout the first half of the 19th century, ultimately culminating in the establishment of Bida as the capital of Nupe in 1859.

The pages of this book meticulously explore these events in exhaustive detail, offering readers a profound understanding of the intricate web of relationships, power dynamics, and historical shifts that shaped the destiny of Etsu Masaba and, by extension, the entire Nupe Nation. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a rapidly changing socio-political landscape, where Masaba’s actions reverberate far beyond his immediate surroundings, leaving an indelible mark on the broader pathway of Nigerian history.

In examining Masaba’s rebellion against Etsu Usman Zaki, the book unravels the complexities of family dynamics, succession disputes, and the inherent tensions within the Fulani hierarchy.