His reputation as a wise and brave commander of Salihi, who planned the liberation of  Birnin-Kudu from Habe ruler; his marriage to the daughters of  deposed Sarkin Dutse [Gwajabo] and  Galadiman Kano [Sani] and most remarkable surprise depeat of the El-Kanemi forces at  [Fake] helped in creating  his legendary  history.

Reputedly a very learned man, Salihi  lived a quite  and simple life of scholarship after deposing the last Habe ruler [Gwajabo c.1799-1807]. During his twelve years of  leadership, he entrusted the day to day affairs in the hands  of his associate and commander of the forces  [the  Makama] Musa.