The traditional rulers of the Kanuri people and the Kanem-Bornu Empire have used two primary titles throughout history, reflecting periods of change and religious influence:

1. Mai: This was the ancient title used by the rulers of the original Sayfawa dynasty of the Kanem and Bornu empires, which dates back over a thousand years. It is an indigenous Kanuri title for “king.”
2. Shehu: This title replaced Mai as the principal title in the 19th century.
   • It is an Arabic term meaning “Sheikh” or “Venerable Elder/Scholar.”
   • It was adopted after the scholar Muhammad al-Kanemi (who had the title Shehu) defeated Fulani invaders and established a new dynasty in the early 1800s. The title emphasizes religious and scholarly authority.

Today, the leader of the Borno Emirate (now known as the Borno Traditional Council), whose seat is in Maiduguri, is known as the Shehu of Borno.