Nikki

Nikki was a royal center of Borgu, a country of related kingdoms between the Yoruba and Hausa lands. Its rulers belonged to the Wasangari, a mounted aristocracy whose traditions traced their descent to the legendary Kisra. The Baatombu, known to their neighbors as Bariba, formed an important part of the population, and the Gaani festival brought chiefs together around the royal court.

Tradition tells that the earlier seat of the kingdom was at Ouénou, and that Simé, son of Séro, chose the site of Nikki while hunting. The town grew into one of the strongest centers of Borgu, drawing wealth from routes linking the kola-producing south with northern markets. In the eighteenth century princes from Nikki founded smaller kingdoms across the region. In 1837 its ruler Siru Kpera led a Borgu force alongside Oyo against the armies of Ilorin; he was killed in the defeat, weakening ties among the princes who had followed him.

The later city of Parakou lies nearby.