| Muhammad Gao | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Askia | |||||
| Reign | October-December 1591 | ||||
| Predecessor | Askia Ishaq II | ||||
| Successor | Askia Nuh | ||||
| Died | early 1592 Gao | ||||
| |||||
| Dynasty | Askia dynasty | ||||
| Father | Askia Daoud | ||||
Askia Muhammad Gao was the last ruler of the Songhai Empire. A son of Askia Daoud, he assumed power in the last months of 1591 after the defeat of Askia Ishaq II by Moroccan forces at the Battle of Tondibi and the subsequent Battle of Bamba. About forty days after taking power he was lured into a trap by Moroccans, captured, and later executed.