Deria was the son of Sultan Hassan and the great grandson of Sultan Guled, the founder of the Guled Dynasty of the Eidagale clan. He belonged the Ba Ambaro section of the Guled family. Deria was the longest reigning Sultan having ascended to the throne in the late 19th century and dying of old age in the late 1930s, where he was succeeded by his eldest son, Abdilahi.Deria also regularly exacted tribute from the Isaaq sub-clans.
Dervish Era
In the year 1899, Sultan Deria Hassan received one of the earliest letters sent by Muhammad Abdullah Hassan to garner support for the then fledgling Dervish Movement. This shows how influential Sultan Deria was in the Somali north since he was earnestly implored by the Mullah to join him in his endeavors.
I have the honour to enclose a translation of a letter from the Mullah Muhammad Abdullah to the Aidagalleh, as a specimen of the manner in which he has been trying to seduce the tribes from their allegiance to us. Although this letter has only come into my hands there is reason to believe that it reached Sultan Deria of the Aidagalleh some two months ago, for the Sheikh Madar tells me that about that time Sultan Deria sent a message to him saying that he had heard from the Mullah and asking his advice as to whether he should join him or not.
It appears that Deria heeded the call for support as the Sultan instigated a major insurrection in the town of Hargeisa as well as supplying Abdullah Hassan with vital information.
Lieutenant Byrne reports to me that Sultan Deria is the principal cause of unrest around Hargaisa. He is in communication with the Mullah, supplying him with information and giving every assistance prior to joining him himself.
Rebellions
Deria's reign saw a some Instability and revolts that were swiftly contained. Swayne recounts and incident where a portion of the Eidagale broke away, but were quickly brought to heel.
The late Assistant Resident at Berbera had a case brought before him in which a part of the Eidegalla tribe had thrown off allegiance to Sultan Deria, and when his intervention was successful, one of the terms proposed by the delinquents themselves was that they would diballtig before him as a recognition of their return to his control.
