Muhammad al-Mahdi as-Senussi vs Oba Ademola II

Muhammad al-Mahdi as-Senussi's father, Muhammad ibn Ali as-Senussi, founded the Senussi order in Mecca. After his father's death in 1859, al-Mahdi became the order's leader and expanded it significantly.

Al-Mahdi moved the Senussi headquarters to the Kufra oasis in southeastern Libya in 1895. This location became the spiritual and administrative center of the order, facilitating expansion into central Africa.

Al-Mahdi led Senussi resistance against French colonial forces advancing from Chad into the Sahara. The conflict resulted in Senussi military defeats and loss of territory, but solidified the order's anti-colonial stance.

Al-Mahdi died in 1902 at Kufra. His son, Ahmed Sharif as-Senussi, succeeded him as leader of the order, continuing the anti-colonial struggle and later supporting the Ottoman Empire in World War I.

Oba Ademola II was installed as the Alake of Abeokuta under British colonial administration. His reign lasted over 40 years, making him one of the longest-serving traditional rulers in colonial Nigeria.

Oba Ademola II faced the Abeokuta Women's Revolt, a protest against colonial taxation and the Alake's authority. The revolt, led by Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, forced the Alake to temporarily abdicate and led to reforms in local governance.

Oba Ademola II was restored to the throne of Abeokuta after a period of abdication following the Women's Revolt. His return was negotiated with British authorities and local leaders, but his powers were reduced under the new colonial arrangements.