Dece Fu Njogu Explained

Type:King
Dece Fu Djogu Fall
Lamane, Damel
Reign:1549
Successor:Amary Ngone Sobel Fall
Spouse:Wagadu Ngone Ndiaye
Issue:Dialene Yasser, Amary Ngone Sobel, Tie Yacine, Tie Ndella
Death Date:1549
Death Place:Palen Ded

Dece Fu Njogu (Wolof: Decee Fu Njoogu; French: Détié Fou Ndiogou) was the last Lamane and first Damel of Cayor.

At the time Cayor was a vassal of the Jolof Empire, and for a period of several years Dece Fu had failed to pay tribute. In 1549 he sent his son Amary Ngone Sobel Fall with a large retinue to do so, but the Buurba (emperor) refused to accept the payment. Amary left for Cayor, declaring that his homeland would no longer be subject to a ruler who would not deign to even accept their gifts. The Jolof army pursued them but were defeated at the Battle of Danki.[1]

When Dece Fu Njogu heard the news he proclaimed himself Damel, or 'breaker', and ordered that every bull in the area be brought together for a feast to celebrate Cayor's independence. When they were assembled, he went into the enclosure to choose the best ones for the feast. A bull spooked and in the chaos the new Damel was killed, having reigned for only six days. His son Amary succeeded him as Damel.[1]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Sabatie . Alexandre . Le Sénégal : sa conquête & son organisation (1364-1925) . 1925 . Impr. du gouvernement . Saint-Louis . 4 September 2023 . French.