Why did Sokoto become an important spiritual center for the Fulani people?

Sokoto became an important spiritual center for the Fulani people primarily due to its association with Usman dan Fodio, the leader of the Fulani jihad.1

Although the town was originally established as a military headquarters for the jihad in 1804–1805, it evolved into the spiritual headquarters of the Fulani people following Usman’s move there in 1814 and his subsequent death in the town in 1817. The presence of his tomb and other holy shrines transformed the site into a significant pilgrimage center.1

Furthermore, as the capital of the Fulani empire, Sokoto served as the seat of the sarkin musulmi ("commander of the faithful"), the supreme spiritual and political leader of the empire. This role solidified the town's status as the central authority for the politico-religious system that unified the region under Usman’s vision of Islam.123