Potiskum Emirate
| Potiskum Emirate | |
|---|---|
| Traditional state | |
 Potiskum Emirate
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| Coordinates: 11°43′N 11°04′E / 11.72°N 11.07°ECoordinates: 11°43′N 11°04′E / 11.72°N 11.07°E | |
| Country | Nigeria |
| State | Yobe |
| Emirate | Potiskum |
| Government | |
| • Emir | Umaru Bubaram Ibn Wuriwa Bauya |
The Potiskum Emirate (or Pataskum Emirate) is a traditional state in Nigeria, with headquarters in Potiskum, Yobe State. The emir holds the title "Mai". The emirate was founded in 1809. In 1913 the British colonial rulers merged it into the Fika Emirate. In 2000 it was again made an independent emirate. Both the Fika and Potiskum emirates have their headquarters in the city of Potiskum, and there are continued disputes over land and authority.
The Potiskum Emirate was organized by the Ngizim people, who had subjugated the Karakare people. The state was formed in 1809 by a Chief of the Ngizim named Mai Bauya or Buyan. In the 19th century people of the Misau emirate often raided the Kerikeri country. The Misau Emir Amadu (1834–48) captured the capital, Potiskum. Usuman (1848–61) and Sale (1861–85) also raided the Kerikeri. In 1901 the Potiskum Emirate became part of the British Northern Nigeria Protectorate.
The neighboring Fika Emirate had been founded by the Bolewa, said to be Kanembu in origin. They moved to the area and subjugated the local Ngamo people.Fika town, the traditional capital, is about 60 kilometres (37 mi) south of Potiskum. The Emir of Fika is one of the leading traditional rulers in the north of Nigeria. In 1909 the western part of Potiskum was merged into the Fika Emirate, and on 13 May 1913 the eastern portion was also merged into Fika. At the time of merger the Fika Emirate had a population of 25,400 including Bolewa, Gamawa, Kerikeri and Shira people, with an area of 990 square miles (2,600 km2). The Potiskum Emirate had a population of 11,500 with an area of 320 square miles (830 km2).
The Fika Emirate thus had authority over the Ngizim and Karakare people of Potiskum. The Bolewa claimed title to the land which the Ngizim and Karekare also claimed. This has resulted in a complex series of intrigues and disputes still unresolved in the early 21st century.
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