Pre-colonial administration in Nigeria

Hausa/Fulani Traditional Political System

Historical background: the Fulani took over the political leadership of the Habe (Hausa) states in the early 19^th century. The Jihad that proceeded this occupation was seen as religious one as well as political. Othman Dan Fodio led the Fulani Jihad and took over the political leadership of the Hausa and established the 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 of Dan Fodio and his two representatives at Gwandu and Sokoto.

Structure of Hausa/Fulani Traditional Political System

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. He was expected to administer the emirate in accordance with the provisions of the Islamic and sharia laws. Infact, he was believed to have the divine right to rule. However, each emir was assisted in the administration of the emirate by a number of advisers. These were:
2. The waziri: he was the head of all the officials
3. The galadima: he was incharge of the capital
4. The madaki: he was the commander of the army
5. Dogari: he was the head of the police
6. Maaji: he was in-charge of treasury
7. Sarkin Ruwa: the river fishing official
8. Sakin fada: the head of the palace workers
9. Sarkin pawa: the head of all butchers
10. Supreme headquarters: Sokoto and Gwanda were the seats of the Emirs. The Emir of Gwanda control the western empire while the Emir of sokoto controlled the eastern empire. Theyu appointed Emir in each of the emirate under their jurisdiction
11. District administration: each emirate was divided into districts for administration convenience. An official known as Hakimi was usually appointed by the Emir to administrate the districts
12. Village heads: village heads were appointed by Hakimi to help in the collections of taxes and maintenance of law and orders in the village
13. Legislative function: Islamic laws were the supreme law of the emirate. The emir had the capacity of making laws on matters which were not covered by Islamic laws
14. Executive function: the emir was authoritarian and had absolute powers, even enough he had a body of advisers, yet he can ignore or accept their advise
15. Judicial functions: the judicial administration was based on sharia laws. These laws administered by Alkali judges. At times, minor cases may be passed to the village heads to be settle by them.
16. Centralized administration: the emirate system was a highly centralized one, with the emirs possessing almost all the powers. He was an authoritative.

Functions of Age Grades And Title Holders in the Pre-colonial systems

1. Law and order: they were involved in the maintenance of law and order in their domain.
2. Law making: they made laws, rules and regulations
3. Appointment: they appoint subordinate chiefs to help I the administration
4. Budget: the traditional rulers were involved in raising and spending of money
5. Symbol of unity: they served as political symbol of unity and power
6. Communal wealth: the traditional rulers were also involved in the allocation and sharing of communal wealth and resources including was booties

Exercises

1. Explain the Hausa/Fulani traditional political system.
2. What is the role of the Emir in the Hausa/Fulani traditional political system?
3. State and explain the role of five (5) advisers of the Emir in the Hausa/Fulani traditional political system.
4. Enumerate the four (4) functions of age grades and title holders in the pre-colonial systems.
5. What is the role of the Sharia courts in the Hausa/Fulani traditional political system?