African ruler who created 73 alphabets

King Ibrahim Mbouombouo Njoya of Bamum, Western Cameroon created an alphabet of 73 symbols to preserve his people's history and culture.

He ruled from 1867-1933, creating laws that put his people first. Under the influence of a German missionary, Njoya converted to Christianity. He later created a new syncretistic religion based on Christianity and traditional Bamum religion before converting to Islam along with much of his court in 1916. He accepted the authority of the Sokoto Caliph, requesting the caliph send him an emir's flag and Muslim teachers.

France destroyed his printing press, libraries and books. He was an intelligent writer who always wrote about his new experience from travels and communique with other rulers. His printing press was made of woods and feathers from birds.

King Ibrahim Mbouombouo Njoya alphabet, called, A-ka-u-ku based on its first four signs, contained 73 signs in total.

He had 600 wives and 117 kids. The actual number of his children are not known as he was not able to take record of all child birth.

King Ibrahim Mbouombouo Njoya also built a hand-powered corn grinder.