ABSTRACT
The origin of the Fulani has long been a matter of curiosity and conjecture among scholars. However, it is generally accepted that the forebears of all Fulani living in the Western Sudan came from the Futa Toro. Linguistic evidence supports the view that historically Fulani movement was from west to east. This is so because, although the Fulani language is spoken by considerably more than millions from Senegal to at least Wadai east of Lake Chad, only in the Senegal area are genetic relationships traced with local languages. Fulbe na'i, in describing Usuman, speak of him as having been inspired by God, being extremely learned, having a likeable personality, and having been a persuasive preacher. The chapter explores some features of pastoral social and political life during the period of the Fulani Empire and also the social changes following the establishment of the Protectorate.
