The advent of Wassangari in Borgu

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The attempt to explain the advent of the Wassangari ruling class into Borgu land varies and diverse as different historians and researchers have presented the history from their various paradigms. However it is very germane in refreshing our memory about different classes or groups in Barutem.

Today, Barutem is made up of two major groups and other minor groups. The first major group is the 'Batombu' or the 'Boko' people. While the second major group comprises of the'Wassangari'. 

The Batombu or the Boko people are classified as the "freemen; the aboriginals", they are known historically to be the land owners and they occupy positions such as chief priests in their various domains. The chief priest appease the gods of the land with sacrifice at the beginning of every new yam harvest. The chief priest have the traditional powers and authorities to prevent, cease, and stop quarrels, conflicts, crises, or war which poses threat or danger to the community. These complex beliefs and practices obviously exert powerful influence toward peace and social order among the aboriginal people. According to Michael Crowder, 1973 in his book titled 'Revolt in Bussa', he stated that "the fact is to this day representatives of the original inhabitants (that is the owners of the land), play an important part in the installation and burial of Kiara kings and in the government of the state". 

The Wassangari were believed to be the members of the Kisra migration or the people of Kisra, although there's no generally and universal acceptable history of Kisra legend. The history of Kisra is diverse, broad and wide. In Baatonu language, Kisra literally means 'to escape'. The history of Kisra is not our focus for now we shall look into it in later articles, so keep in touch. 

In its simplest meaning 'Wassangari' originates from the Hausa language "wa ya san Varun su", meaning "who knows their town", "cunning person", it could also mean "a stranger"; a person whose identity is unknown. 

Thus, it can be deduced that the Wassangari are immigrants whose origin and culture was unknown and were smart enough to have taken over the political power from the Baatombus(the land owners) without bloodshed. The Wassangari are referred to as the'ruling class'. 

Other minor groups will be posted later, please keep in touch to get updates on next posts.