The Sultan of Bornu was the ruler of the historical Bornu Empire, located in present-day northeastern Nigeria. This empire was a significant center of trade and culture in West Africa, particularly during the 15th to 19th centuries. The Sultan played a crucial role in the administration, military, and religious life of the empire, often overseeing trade routes that connected the region to the wider Islamic world. The Bornu Empire was known for its wealth, largely derived from the trans-Saharan trade in goods like salt, gold, and slaves. The Sultan's authority was supported by a network of local leaders and a strong military, which helped maintain stability and protect the empire from external threats, including rival states and colonial powers.