The Jukuns and the Kanuris (Barebari) came from Arabian peninsula through Western Sudan to Ngarzagamu to Kanem Borno. They (Jukuns) left the Kanuris and came to Kwararafa after so many adventures in the Hausaland and beyond.
The Kanuris and the Jukuns were all monarchs of different backgrounds. When the Kwararafa was migrating from the Arabian peninsula, they left together with the Kanuris as mentioned earlier, only separating at Ngarzagamu. They have maintained the relationship, that relationship has been cemented when the Shehu of Borno sent fire on a basket of cotton lint but which was not burning. It was a message of fire, of challenge. The Aku received that and sent him a basketful of water and the water did not leak till it reached Borno. As a result of this exchange, Kwararafa sent certain gifts to the Shehu of Borno.
The Borno people (Kanuris) saw them (Jukuns) coming, thinking they were enemies, the Kanuris sent fire. The area was burning but the messengers of the Aku made rain to fall. It is fire and water all time. So, they vowed never to fight each other because it was always a drawn battle. To date, Jukuns and Kanuris play as blood brothers.
They never go to court because of the traditional tie that binds them. They recognize each other as brothers and sisters. There is no superiority contest. The Shehu of Borno does not hold Aku as a subordinate and vice versa.
They both has representative (Zannas) in their cabinet. The Shehu has a representative in the Kwararafa Empire (Zanna but popularly pronounced as Zanuwa by the Jukuns). The one in Wukari is even a Ward Head, he was in Aku's cabinet, so also the Aku representative in the Borno Empire (Zanna) is doing similar role like his counterpart in the Kwararafa Empire.
My Jukun brothers, if you want that Fire on a Basket of Cotton Lint which is not burning, try me or take me to the court of law.
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