Nigerian warrior queen Amina ruled the 16th-century city-state Zazzau at a time when women leaders were hard to come by. Her 34-year-old reign saw her expanding her kingdom and developing trade routes. Some believe she was merely a mythical figure, but remnants of the walls she had built prove otherwise.
1
Hausa Queen Amina
(Queen of Nigeria)
Birthdate: 1533 AD
Birthplace: Zaria, Nigeria
Died: 1610 AD
2
Usman dan Fodio
(Founder and the First Caliph of Sokoto Caliphate)
16
5
Birthdate: December 15, 1754
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Gobir, Nigeria
Died: April 20, 1817
Fulani scholar, Sunni Islamic religious teacher, philosopher and revolutionary Usman Ɗan Fodio became the founder and first Sultan of Sokoto Caliphate in West Africa after defeating the Hausa Kingdoms in the Fulani War. Usman encouraged literacy and scholarship for both men and women. He is viewed as a Mujaddid by Muslims and considered the most significant reforming leader of Africa.
3
Ovonramwen
(King of Benin)
9
1
Birthdate: 1857 AD
Birthplace: Calabar, Nigeria
Died: December 31, 1914
4
Muhammadu Maccido
(Sultan)
4
1
Birthdate: April 20, 1928
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Dange-Shuni, Nigeria
Died: October 29, 2006
5
Ozolua
(Oba)
2
0
Birthplace: -
Died: 1520 AD
6
Ahmadu Tall
(Ruler)
1
0
Birthdate: June 21, 1836
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Sokoto, Nigeria
Died: December 15, 1897