At the time Cayor was a vassal of the Jolof Empire, and for a period of several years Dece Fu had failed to pay tribute.
In 1549 he sent his son Amary Ngone Sobel Fall with a large retinue to do so, but the Buurba (emperor) refused to accept the payment.
Amary left for Cayor, declaring that his homeland would no longer be subject to a ruler who would not deign to even accept their gifts.
[1]: 378 When Dece Fu Njogu heard the news he proclaimed himself Damel, or 'breaker', and ordered that every bull in the area be brought together for a feast to celebrate Cayor's independence.
A bull spooked and in the chaos the new Damel was killed, having reigned for only six days.