Yakasai: Inside Kano’s ancient community

This week, Weekend Trust pays a visit to Yakasai, one of Kano’s oldest and culturally significant settlements. Yakasai is one of the oldest and most prominent traditional settlements within Kano city. Known for its rich cultural heritage, leadership roles, and contributions to Islamic scholarship, trade and politics, Yakasai is known to have played a significant […]

This week, Weekend Trust pays a visit to Yakasai, one of Kano’s oldest and culturally significant settlements. Yakasai is one of the oldest and most prominent traditional settlements within Kano city. Known for its rich cultural heritage, leadership roles, and contributions to Islamic scholarship, trade and politics, Yakasai is known to have played a significant role in the social and administrative evolution of Kano over centuries.

Historical accounts link the foundation of Yakasai to the early phases of Kano’s urban development during the pre-colonial era. The community emerged as one of the birane (ancient communities) that surrounded the old city, forming part of the extended neighbourhoods that supported the emir’s palace, markets and farmlands.

The settlement is believed to be named after a notable early resident or clan leader, reflecting the Hausa tradition in which communities bear the names of influential families or founders.

Speaking with Weekend Trust Muhammad Modibbo of Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, a younger brother to the Ward head of Yakasai, Tajuddeen Bashir Baba who spoke on his behalf said multiple historical accounts exist on how Yakasai was founded,each reflecting the community’s deep-rooted links to early Kano civilisation.

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Ancient roots linked to Maguzawa settlers

Citing a historical manuscript on Kano’s early settlements, Modibbo explained that the name “Yakasai” was first associated with Maguzawa, the indigenous Hausa groups who were not Muslims at the time of their migration under the legendary leader, Bagauda.

According to him, the early settlers lived at a place called Madatai, where they initially traded livestock. When their herds diminished, they turned fully to farming.

“Among them were individuals named Yakasai, Sheathe, Guguwa and Gwale,” Modibbo said. “They allocated large tracts of unused land to themselves for farming, and each area took the name of its occupant. That is how Yakasai, as a district, came into existence.”

 

Another tradition: A war cry that became a name

Modibbo said a second popular historical account links the name to the ancient Kwararrafawa people, who arrived in Kano during the reign of Emir Yaji.

He narrated that after being expelled by the Emir and relocating to Zaria, the group later returned and launched a major offensive against the city. During their triumph, they reportedly chanted the word “Yakuse” in jubilation.

“Some say the chant ‘Yakuse’ gradually transformed into ‘Yakasai,’ and the area was named after the spot where they settled,” he said.

 

A hub of kings, scholars and artisans

Modibbo said Yakasai later expanded as city dwellers moved into the area, especially during the reign of Emir Karofi, who established homes for his children there, giving rise to sub-settlements such as Yakasai Yar Sarkin, Yakasai Kan Gudu, Yakasai Janawa, Yakasai Kurna and Sabuwar Unguwa.

Today, the district hosts a mix of Islamic scholars, professors, businessmen, politicians and respected craftsmen.

“It is indeed a blessed city that houses kings, politicians, religious scholars and wealthy people,” he said, listing personalities such as former lawmaker Muntari Ishaq and former commissioner Nuhu among prominent sons of the community.

 

Cultural identity and modern influence

According to Modibbo, Yakasai has long been regarded as one of Kano’s most refined communities.

“Yakasai people are seen as the pinnacle of civilisation, from fashion to modern problem-solving skills,” he said. “They are hardworking, helpful and respectful. The only challenge we face is greed, but we remain grateful.”

He added that residents working in government often support their fellow community members, helping them access opportunities they may otherwise miss.

 

Historical complexity and multiple narratives

Modibbo said additional accounts from the past suggest that hunters and travellers from different regions influenced the naming of the district. Some oral traditions claim that poachers who traded with ancient Kano chiefs used the word “Yakasai” in the Jikum language to mean “farewell” or “see you again.”

“These stories are more than 100 years old, and each has its own interpretation,” he said. “It is up to historians to verify which version is most accurate.”

 

A centre of learning and skilled trades

On the community’s growth into a modern urban hub, Modibbo credited the influence of prominent title holders who brought in their families and established permanent homes, strengthening Yakasai’s status.

“Whatever you’re looking for in Kano, you’ll likely find it in Yakasai,” he said. “From bricklayers, adire makers, contractors and tailors to Islamic clerics and professors.”

He added that tsangaya learning remains part of the community’s heritage, while modern education has also produced numerous academics.

“Most classy garments for wealthy individuals and royal families are still sewn in Yakasai to this day,” he said.

The current Ward Head of Yakasai B is Habibu Dauda Yakasai.

Yakasai, now one of Kano’s most vibrant urban districts, continues to serve as a rich cultural and historical hub, blending centuries-old heritage with modern development.

As Kano expanded politically and economically, Yakasai developed into an important administrative and residential hub. Many of its residents served in the Kano Emirate system, occupying positions such as traditional councillors, religious scholars and imams, craft guild leaders and royal courtiers and advisers.

Through these roles, Yakasai maintained close ties to the palace and played an active role in governance during successive emirates.

Yakasai has long been associated with Islamic scholarship. Families in the area produced generations of Qur’anic teachers, malamai and preachers who contributed to spreading Islamic literacy and scholarship in Kano and beyond.

Some notable scholars and clerics from Yakasai established learning centres that attracted students from across northern Nigeria.

During British colonial rule, Yakasai, like other parts of Kano, was integrated into new administrative arrangements. Many of its residents took up roles in the Native Authority system, policing, clerical service and early modern education.

In the post-independence era, the community became known for producing influential public servants, businessmen, and politicians who played major roles in Kano State and federal governance.

As Kano city expanded in the 20th and 21st centuries, Yakasai gradually transformed from a traditional settlement into a densely populated urban neighbourhood. The construction of roads, schools, health centres and markets further integrated it into the metropolis.

Today, Yakasai is bordered by other historic quarters including Goron Dutse, Kofar Mata, Shahuci and Tudun Yola.

Its proximity to key landmarks such as the Emir’s Palace, Kurmi Market, and Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital—makes it an important residential and commercial area.

Yakasai has produced several notable personalities in politics, activism, civil service and business, including Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, elder statesman and long-time political activist and other respected scholars, district officials, and business figures contributing to Kano’s development.

These individuals have strengthened the community’s reputation as one of Kano’s influential socio-political centres.

Despite urbanisation, Yakasai retains elements of its traditional Hausa-Fulani cultural identity, including extended family compounds (gidaunai); community-based dispute resolution; islamic celebrations and neighbourhood festivals and craft and trade activities.

The community continues to value education, unity, hospitality and respect for elders.