Hausa/Fulani Political System

The Fulani took over the political leadership of the Habe (Hausa) states in the early
19 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;
The Waziri- He was the head of all the officials.
The Galadima : He was in charge of the capital.
The Madaki (Madawaki): He was the commander of the army.
Dogari: He was the head of the police.
Maaji: He was in charge of treasury.
Sarkin Ruwa: The River fishing official.
Sarkin Fada: The head of the palace workers.
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 peoples 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.
The Political System of Oyo Empire
Oyo was a vast empire divided into provinces. It happened to be the most popular
and
outstanding of all the empires in Yoruba political system. Oyo was able to influence
issues in
other areas like; Dahomey (Republic of Benin), Ekiti, Ijesha and Ife, etc.
Political Administration
1 Political head: The Alafin was seen as the political head of the empire. He was
chosen by the Oyomesi (seven hereditary kingmakers of the empire). It was
claimed that he can only appear three times a year in public and that was only
during some historical festivals.
2 The Aremo: He was the eldest son of the ruling Alafin but cannot succeed his
father at his demise. He can only work or assist the father (Alafin) in the
administration of the empire.
3 The Oyomesi: These are the seven hereditary kingmakers in the empire. The
leader was basorun. They responsible for installing a new Alafin.
4 Provincial governors (Bale or Oba): Each province was administered by Ajele
or Oba. They guarantee the payment of tribute and homage to Oyo.
5 The army: Are-ona-kakanfo was the head of the army. It was claimed that if the
army suffer any defeat, the kakanfo should commit suicide.
6 The Ogboni Society: This society possessed judicial powers and are also
involved in policy making.
7 The three Eunuchs: They were involved in the administration of the empire.
i. The Osi-efa: was in charge of political affairs and customarily he had to die with
the Alafin.
ii. The Ona-efa: was in charge of the judiciary.
iii. The Otun-efa: was in charge of performing religious duties for Alafin.
8 The empty calabash: History had it thaty the Oyomesi could authorize
Bashorun (prime minister) to send to the Alafin an empty calabash symbolizing
rejection. The Alafin has no choice than to commit suicide.
9 Kingship: The succession to the throne of the Alafin was not from father to son
but the Oyomesi was free to choose a new ruler from the royal families.
Functions of Traditional Rulers in the Pre-colonial Political System
1 They made laws, rules and regulations.

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

They
They
They
They
They
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are involved in the maintenance of law and order.

were involved in raising and spending of money.
appointed subordinate chiefs to help in the administration.
assist in sharing and allocating of communal wealth and resources.
serve as political symbol of peace and unity.
award traditional titles to deserving citizens.
act as the final court of appeal.
plan for the progress and development of various communities.

MAYPRIDE SECONDARY SCHOOL

STUDENT: - EZECHUKWU CHINENYE

SUBJECT: - CIVIC EDUCATION

CLASS: - SS2

TEACHER: - MISS. FAITH

PROJECT : - EXPLAIN THE FOLLOWING

PRE-COLONIAL POLITICAL SYSTEM IN
NIGERIA:

HOUSA/FULANI PRE-POLITICAL
SYSTEM

 IGBO PRE-POLITICAL SYSTEM

YORUBA PRE-POLITICAL

INSTITUTIONS WITH THEIR

FUNCTIONS