PRE-COLONIAL TRADITIONAL POLITICAL SYSTEM IN NIGERIA

PRE-COLONIAL TRADITIONAL POLITICAL SYSTEM IN NIGERIA

1. Hausa/Fulani Pre-Colonial System of Administration
2. Yoruba Traditional Political System
3. Igbo Traditional Political System

HAUSA/FULANI PRE-COLONIAL SYSTEM OF ADMINISTRATION

It was based on Emirate system. The paramount authority was with Emir. The Emir was assisted in his administration by a number of office holders.

i. Galadima: - He administered by capital
ii. Waziri: - He was head of all officials
iii. Madawaki: - Comande of army
iv. Hakimi: - District head

The law was based on Sharia i.e. Islamic legal system. The Emir’s court was the highest in the land.


FUNCTIONS OF AN EMIR

i. He appointed his of officials e.g Madawaki etc
ii. He saw to enforcement of Sharia and presides over Emir’s court
iii. He allocated farm land
iv. He performed ceremonial functions
v. He was spiritual head of the Emirate
vi. He made laws, and maintain order
vii. He imposed and collected taxes

FEATURES
i. It was based on absolute monarchy, i.e. Emir was autocratic
ii. The powers were centralized
iii. Elaborate system of taxation was in place
iv. No separation of power but fusion of powers
v. Based on feudal mode of production and land was the major means of production.


YORUBA TRADITIONAL POLITICAL SYSTEM
It was headed by a king as Oba. Council of alders consisting of senior Chiefs assisted him in the administration. The council helped in implementing the law. They could be made by either Oba or Council of elders or both. Oba’s court was the highest in the kingdom.

FEATURES
i. It was constitutional monarch
ii. No formal system of taxation but tribute payment
iii. No separation of power
iv. There was system of checks and balances
v. It was based on feudal mode of production


IGBO TRADITIONAL POLITICAL SYSTEM

The largest political unit was the village/village group. This was by kindred then family unit.

FEATURES
i. Powers were decentralized
ii. Republic in Nature
iii. No system of taxation
iv. No separation of power
v. Direct democracy when it comes to decision making