Saidi's reign coincides with the arrival of the Dutch in Maluku, which indirectly caused his deposal and exile through a Spanish invasion.

Portuguese power became restricted to a few forts in Tidore and Ambon and they lost control over the trade in spices which gave Maluku its wider significance.

[3] This meant that the lively trade in cloves, nutmeg and forest products proceeded under relatively free and unrestricted conditions, attracting merchants from several regions - Portuguese, Javanese, Malays.

Babullah had a half-brother Mandar Syah, whose higher birth on his mother's side gave rights to claim the throne.

One of his sisters had since long been promised as consort to Gapi Baguna, the Sultan of Tidore who, although supported by the Spanish and Portuguese, still entertained relations with his neighbour and had a role in Saidi's enthronement.

[7] Enraged over the loss of his brother, Tolu began to plot to overthrow Saidi in 1587, and contacted the Spanish and Portuguese on the matter.

The idea was to join forces to eliminate Saidi, but the Europeans lacked sufficient resources at the moment to allow themselves be involved, and Tolu died shortly after.

A small fleet of four frigates under Pedro Sarmiento was dispatched from Manila in 1584 and forced the Ternatan dependency Moti Island to submit temporarily with the help of the Tidorese allies.

In the next year 1585 a larger Spanish fleet appeared in Maluku, driven by fear that the English might try to establish a post in the Spice Islands.

A few years later Saidi went on the offensive, sending a strong fleet of korakoras (large outriggers) to Mindanao which was loosely claimed by Ternate.

A peace treaty was forced upon Ternate, where they promised to have no contact with the English or Dutch, allow Catholic missionizing, and abide to Spanish dispositions.

His appearance on the occasion is described thus: "That King was strong body'd, and his Limbs well Knit; his Neck, and great Part of his Arms he wore naked; his Skin being the Colour of a Cloud rather inclined to Black than Tawny.

His eyes large, full, and sparkling, to which they add the Fierceness of long Eyebrows, thick Beard and Whiskers, and lank Hair.

"[15] As most of Maluku slipped from their power in the next years due to the intervention of the Dutch East India Company, the Spanish tried to make use of their exalted prisoner.

In 1611 Governor Juan de Silva appeared in front of Ternate with a fleet, accompanied by Saidi, and tried to bring about a reconciliation with the Ternatan elite.