Bawa Jan Gwarzo

Bawa Jan Gwarzo (c. 1715 – c. 1790) was the ruler of the Hausa kingdom of Gobir from 1777 to 1795. He is remembered for his successful military exploits, particularly the continuation of the expansionist policies of his father, Sarkin Gobir Babari, making Gobir a formidable power in the region. His reign also saw the rise of Usman dan Fodio and his reformist movement.

Early life Bawa was born around 1715 into the royal family of Gobir. His father, Sarkin Gobir Babari, became the ruler (or sarki) of Gobir after usurping power by murdering his predecessor, his father Uban Iche. Under Babari's reign, Gobir waged war on several surrounding states, including some of its allies. One such ally was Zamfara, whose vast capital was completely destroyed by Babari. Bawa is also remembered for establishing Alkalawa as a new capital for Gobir.

Reign

Bawa ascended to the throne in 1777, inheriting the title of sarki and a state already engaged in several military conflicts.

Despite his many victories, Bawa's ambitions were ultimately checked by his defeat against Sarkin Katsina Agwaragi around 1790. In this battle, whose 'bitterness beggars description' as described by Sokoto chroniclers, his son was slain. Unable to cope with the loss, Bawa died of a broken heart forty days later.

At the Id prayers, all of Bawa's scholars had abandoned him, joining Usman and his followers, who together numbered around a thousand. Bawa is remembered for publicly pointing to the Shaikh and remarking that the rulers of Gobir who would succeed him would be no more than local heads of Alkalawa.