Pre-colonial
Political Systems in Nigeria
Hausa/Fulani
Political System
The Fulani
took over the political leadership of the Habe (Hausa) states in the early 19th
century. The jihad that followed this occupation was seen as a religious one as
well as political.
Usman Dan
Fodio led the Fulani Jihad and took over the political leadership of the Hausa
and established Sokoto caliphate with outstanding centralized political system
of government. He introduced a new system of selecting and appointing rulers
described as Emirs to rule the caliphate. Each of the Emirs owed allegiance to
Dan Fodio and his two representatives at Gwandu and Sokoto.
Political Administration
1.
The Emirate: The caliphate was divided into emirates and each was
headed by an Emir. He had the responsibility of making laws, enforcing them and
maintaining peace and order in his emirate. However, each emirate was assisted
in the administration of the emirate by a number of advisers. These were;
i.
The Waziri- He was the head of all the officials.
ii.
The Galadima: He was in charge of the capital.
iii.
The Madaki (Madawaki): He was the commander of the army.
iv.
Dogari: He was the head of the police.
v.
Maaji: He was in charge of treasury.
vi.
Sarkin Ruwa: The River fishing official.
vii.
Sarkin Fada: The head of the palace workers.
viii.Sarkin Pawa:
The head of all butchers.
2.
Supreme headquarters: Sokoto and Gwandu were the seats
of the Emirs. The Emir of Gwandu controlled the western empire while the Emir
of Sokoto controlled the eastern empire.
3.
District administration: Each emirate was divided into
districts for administrative convenience. An official known as Hakimi was usually
appointed to the Emir to administer the district.
4.
Village heads: Village heads were appointed by Haikimi to help in
the collection of taxes, e.g. cattle tax (Jangali).
5.
Legislative functions: Islamic laws were the supreme
laws of the emirate.
6.
Executive functions: The emir was authoritarian and had absolute powers
even though he had a body of advisers, yet he can ignore or accept their
advice.
7.
Judicial functions: The judicial administration was based on Sharia laws.
The laws were administered by Alkali judges.
8.
Centralized administration: The emirate system was a highly
centralized one with the Emirs possessing almost all the powers. He was an
authoritarian ruler.
Igbo Political
System
The Igbo
political system may be seen as a fragmented political system. Many
institutions were in place and political authority was shared among them. For
example, the Ofo title holders (council of elders), Ozo title holders, age
grades, etc were all involved in the power sharing exercise. There was absence
of centralization of power and authority in Igbo political system as it was
more of the people’s direct participation in their government (Direct
democracy).
Structural Organization of Igbo Political System
1.
Village administration: The Igbo political system was
based on the village as a political unit. A village is seen as inhabited by a
group of related families. Each family head held the Ofo title and all of them
put together formed the council of elders. The council governed the village.
2.
The age grade: These were the young men that belonged to the same
age group and they perform the following functions;
i.
Administration: They were involved in the administration of the
village.
ii.
Performance of public duties: They were
involved in the performance of public duties.
iii.
Defence of the village: They equally served as the
potential army for the defence of the village against external enemy.
iv.
Maintenance of law and order: They act as
police force for the maintenance of law and order.
v.
Abuse of powers: The age grades assisted in checking abuse of power by
the paramount rulers and council of elders.
vi.
Implementation of policies: They also help in the
implementation of policies made by the council of elders.
3.
The executive: The affairs of the village are discussed from time to
time by family heads (council of elders).
4.
The legislature: The villagers made law themselves and even the age
grades can enact a law which the elders would accept.
5.
The judiciary: Family heads settle disputes between families.
Serious cases were referred to the council of elders presided by the Okpara.
6.
The Ozo title holders: Some wealthy and influential men
took this title which was very expensive. This title makes the holder to be
recognized in the society.
7.
Provision of shrines: Shrines were provided and was seen as political
significance in providing bonds of unity.
8.
Leadership: Succession to leadership positions was not hereditary
in the Igbo political system.
9.
Type of political system: The political system was more of
a republican government.
Tests and
Exercises
- In the structural organization of the Igbo political system, each family head held which of the following titles? a. Ozo title b. Eze title c. Ofo title d. Igwe title. Answer: Ofo title
- The political system of the Igbo was more of a . a. republican government b. unitary government c. military government d. civilian government. Answer: republican government
- Village heads were appointed by to help in the collection of taxes. a. Dongari b. Haikimi c. Galadima d. Waziri. Answer: Haikimi
- The head of the palace workers was known as . a. Sarkin Fada b. Sarkin Ruwa c. Waziri d. Danladi. Answer: Sarkin Fada
- The Fulani took over the political leadership of the Habe (Hausa) states in the early . a. 18th century b. 21st century c. 19th century d. 16th century. Answer: 19th century
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