SS2 Second Term Government Lesson Note – Pre-Colonial Administration

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WEEK 9

TOPIC: PRE-COLONIAL ADMINISTRATION

CONTENT    

(a) Systems of government in pre-colonial days; (Hausa/Fulani, Igbo and Yoruba).

(b) Structure of Pre-colonial governments.

Sub-Topic 1: PRE-COLONIAL ADMINISTRATION IN HAUSA/FULANI LAND (NORTHERN NIGERIA)

Prior to the Jihad or holy war, of 1804, the territory now known as Northern states of Nigeria, was ruled by the Hausas under 14 independent kingdoms. The defeat of the Hausas in a holy war by the Fulanis under the leadership of Othman Dan Fodio led to the abolition of the Hausa Kingdoms and the establishment of the Fulani Emirates. Each Emirate was headed by an Emir. Sokoto and Gwandu were made the two headquarters for all the Emirates. The Emirs of the other Emirates were appointed either directly by the Emirs of Sokoto and Gwandu or appointed by the local people subject to the ratification of either Emir of Sokoto or Gwandu. All those Emirs paid allegiance and annual tributes to the two Emirs of Sokoto and Gwandu.

For administrative convenience, Othman Dan Fodio divided the Fulani Empire into two – the Eastern and Western sections. The Eastern section included Kano, Katsina, Zaria, Bauchi, Gombe,and Yola with Sokoto as its capital while Ilorin, Kontagora, and Argungu with Gwandu as the capital were included in the Western section.

Mohammed Bello, son of Othman Dan Fodio was given the administration of eastern section with its capital at Sokoto while Abdullahi, Dan Fodio’s brother took charge of the Western Section with Gwandu as its headquarters. Othman Dan Fodio who was installed the Sarkin Muslim (the Commander of the Faithful) retired from political life but stayed in Sokoto.

The emirs who were the political, administrative and spiritual leaders of their people appointed a number of officials assigned with specific duties. These officials who formed an advisory council and their duties included:

1. Waziri: The Senior official, the Emir’s administrative adviser who acted as the Prime Minister.
2. Madawaki: The commander of the army or commander of the cavalry.
3. Galadima: The administrator of the capital.

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