Sabo Quarter
Encyclopedia
Migrant Hausa settlements in Yoruba
land, popularly known as Sabo, are small geographic areas where Hausa
migrants conjugate together to create a distinctive socio-political quarter to foster their cultural heritage
and economic interests in the midst of a different ethnic group, while at the same time owing some informal contractual obligations to the Yoruba. The rise of ubiquitous Hausa settlements in some major Yoruba cities is mostly attributed to the inter-ethnic or long distance trading networks that developed overtime in West Africa
. The exact time-line is unknown but span a millennium. In the early period of the last century, a stream of migrant Hausa settlers began to settle in major Yoruba cities, as a result of their desire to embrace their traditional customs and their "different" norms, they preferred to own their own space in foreign towns under the rulership of a Sarkin Hausawa. However, the quarters became avenues which Hausa communities in Niger and Northern Nigeria use to consolidate their trading networks. The advent of nationalism however, put a dent on the Hausa's desire to create their own identity. The two major southern parties promoted the idea of a single region of different interest groups
working towards the same goal: nationalism
. Since the 1950s, Hausa groups are sometimes seen as political interest groups courted for political affiliations to strengthen southern interest among Northern Nigerians.
men developed as specialized dealers in Cattle
which was abundant in Northern Nigeria but dangerous to breed in Yoruba areas. The need for cattle among Yorubas and Kola
among Hausa men created an avenue for trade. Hausa men originally lodged at Yoruba owned houses when in Yoruba towns for business and then later gradually increased in minute numbers. But over-time, accusations were leveled against some Hausas, coupled with the need to own their own identity, a quarter was awarded to them in different cities by the native rulers. A powerful man of influence would be recognized as the head, he is usually called the Sarkin Hausawa of the city.
of Bori. Most times, the Islamic morning prayer is performed alone while the four others are performed collectively. In the community, attaining wealth and Islamic knowledge
are the two major criteria for success. Sabo communities became known for having a large number of Mallams or Muslim clerics.
Yoruba people
The Yoruba people are one of the largest ethnic groups in West Africa. The majority of the Yoruba speak the Yoruba language...
land, popularly known as Sabo, are small geographic areas where Hausa
Hausa people
The Hausa are one of the largest ethnic groups in West Africa. They are a Sahelian people chiefly located in northern Nigeria and southeastern Niger, but having significant numbers living in regions of Cameroon, Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, Chad and Sudan...
migrants conjugate together to create a distinctive socio-political quarter to foster their cultural heritage
Cultural heritage
Cultural heritage is the legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society that are inherited from past generations, maintained in the present and bestowed for the benefit of future generations...
and economic interests in the midst of a different ethnic group, while at the same time owing some informal contractual obligations to the Yoruba. The rise of ubiquitous Hausa settlements in some major Yoruba cities is mostly attributed to the inter-ethnic or long distance trading networks that developed overtime in West Africa
West Africa
West Africa or Western Africa is the westernmost region of the African continent. Geopolitically, the UN definition of Western Africa includes the following 16 countries and an area of approximately 5 million square km:-Flags of West Africa:...
. The exact time-line is unknown but span a millennium. In the early period of the last century, a stream of migrant Hausa settlers began to settle in major Yoruba cities, as a result of their desire to embrace their traditional customs and their "different" norms, they preferred to own their own space in foreign towns under the rulership of a Sarkin Hausawa. However, the quarters became avenues which Hausa communities in Niger and Northern Nigeria use to consolidate their trading networks. The advent of nationalism however, put a dent on the Hausa's desire to create their own identity. The two major southern parties promoted the idea of a single region of different interest groups
Advocacy group
Advocacy groups use various forms of advocacy to influence public opinion and/or policy; they have played and continue to play an important part in the development of political and social systems...
working towards the same goal: nationalism
Nationalism
Nationalism is a political ideology that involves a strong identification of a group of individuals with a political entity defined in national terms, i.e. a nation. In the 'modernist' image of the nation, it is nationalism that creates national identity. There are various definitions for what...
. Since the 1950s, Hausa groups are sometimes seen as political interest groups courted for political affiliations to strengthen southern interest among Northern Nigerians.
History
The Hausa communities in Yoruba land originated as a necessity of long distance trading. HausaHausa people
The Hausa are one of the largest ethnic groups in West Africa. They are a Sahelian people chiefly located in northern Nigeria and southeastern Niger, but having significant numbers living in regions of Cameroon, Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, Chad and Sudan...
men developed as specialized dealers in Cattle
Cattle
Cattle are the most common type of large domesticated ungulates. They are a prominent modern member of the subfamily Bovinae, are the most widespread species of the genus Bos, and are most commonly classified collectively as Bos primigenius...
which was abundant in Northern Nigeria but dangerous to breed in Yoruba areas. The need for cattle among Yorubas and Kola
Kola
Kola can refer to:*Kola nut, a genus of about 125 species of trees**Inca Kola, a cola soft drink made in Peru**Kola Real, a Peruvian soft drink**Kola Inglesa , a Peruvian soft drink...
among Hausa men created an avenue for trade. Hausa men originally lodged at Yoruba owned houses when in Yoruba towns for business and then later gradually increased in minute numbers. But over-time, accusations were leveled against some Hausas, coupled with the need to own their own identity, a quarter was awarded to them in different cities by the native rulers. A powerful man of influence would be recognized as the head, he is usually called the Sarkin Hausawa of the city.
Cultural features
The Hausa men in Sabo are fervent in their religious obligations. Prayers according to Islamic rites of the Tijaniyya order is a norm in most areas. However, there are a some who practice the cultCult
The word cult in current popular usage usually refers to a group whose beliefs or practices are considered abnormal or bizarre. The word originally denoted a system of ritual practices...
of Bori. Most times, the Islamic morning prayer is performed alone while the four others are performed collectively. In the community, attaining wealth and Islamic knowledge
Knowledge
Knowledge is a familiarity with someone or something unknown, which can include information, facts, descriptions, or skills acquired through experience or education. It can refer to the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject...
are the two major criteria for success. Sabo communities became known for having a large number of Mallams or Muslim clerics.