Reigned 1493-1528
Ruler Of The Songhai Empire

Askia the Great. Widely known as Askia the Great, Askia Muhammad I was the most renowned ruler of the Songhai Empire. There is no doubt, however, that he had no constitutional right to ascend the throne. Muhammad was the chief minister to Sunni Ali (ruled 1464-1492), who on his death was succeeded by his son Abu Bakr Da'u (known as Sunni Baru). In 1493 Muhammad, who did not belong to the Songhai royal family, deposed Sunni Baru and made himself ruler. Muhammad violated the Songhai mode of succession because he did not possess the sacred symbols of national cults that constitutionally entitled the possessor to the throne. Furthermore, if—as was generally believed— Muhammad came from Soninke rather than Songhai lineage, he did not meet the ethnic eligibility requirement for succession.

Military Leader. Muhammad created a large...