Zubeiru bi Adama

The Adamawa Emirate, founded by his father, Modibo Adama, was under threat from the Germans, French, and British by the time of his accession.

This would allow Iya to use the occasion to garner the support of the people of Yola, as, according to Adamawa customs, a new Lamido is chosen on the burial day of the previous one.

Zubeiru's accession also displeased the Caliph of Sokoto, Umaru bin Ali, who had been involved in Sanda's plan to appoint Iya as Lamido.

Influential figures like Galadima Fariku and Waziri Aliyu commanded great respect, making it difficult for Zubeiru to dismiss them without provocation.

These included 'the king of Arabs', Bobbo Ahmadu, his full brother who often acted as his deputy, and Ahmad Joda, the Chief Alkali and his personal teacher.

When Zubeiru appeared at a full hearing, Alkali Joda removed his turban and gown, which were traditionally given to all of the Lamido's officials upon appointment.

It is said that Zubeiru was so impressed with Alkali Joda's impartiality that he walked up to him afterward and, raising his hand, said 'gorko' three times, meaning he had proven himself a hero.

Under Sanda, Yola avoided the use of military force and primarily focused on extensive administrative and judicial reforms.

Although these reforms were relatively successful, Yola's weakness encouraged rebellions and internal conflicts throughout the emirate, weakening its authority over the sub-emirates.

[5]: 122–126 Upon his accession, Zubeiru began a series of wars and, according to Adamawa tradition, never spent a full month in Yola.

Although Bibemi was besieged, the siege was lifted after Mansur, the Lamdo (chief), agreed to restore normal relations with Yola.

During the Pugo war in 1891, Ardo Adamu of Be and Lamdo Njobdi of Gider deserted the battlefield, leading to the defeat and rout of Zubeiru's army.

[5]: 136 Although Zubeiru had some success in asserting his authority over his subordinates, his failure to subdue the large non-Fulbe groups in Adamawa signaled that Yola was no longer the military power it had been during the reigns of Modibbo Adama and his immediate successor, Lawal.

During Zubeiru's reign, Rai-Buba experienced its third and most violent dynastic conflict, which resulted in the killing of Lamdo Buba Jurum by his own sons.

[5]: 138–140 His rule was weakened by war against Hayatu ibn Sa'id and then attempts to resist the Royal Niger Company and British administration under Frederick Lugard.

There is no surrender to the unbeliever even after the fall of the strongholds.Zubairu kept his pledge, he continued resistance against both the British and the Germans till he was killed around Gudu, allegedly by "pagans", who mistook his identity, eighteen months after he was forced out of his capital.