Features of Pre-Colonial Political Administration in Nigeria, Hausa/Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo

Hausa/Fulani:

(i) The administrative system of Hausa/Fulani pre-colonial was characterised by the centralization of political power and authority. All political power was concentrated on the Emir.

(ii) The people paid different forms of taxes to the emir. They paid Kharaj tax, Zakat and Jangali. All paid to sustain the administration.

(ii) Islamic law, Sharia was obeyed by all, including the Emir, but the Emir is empowered to make laws where Islamic law is silent.

(iii) Emirate was the largest administrative structure with Emir as the head of administration. The Emir was appointed by the Emir of Sokoto.

(iv) The system was theocratic in nature. Islamic religion guided the actions of the leader and his people. In addition, the Emir was the political, religious and spiritual leader.

(v) Emirates were under the control of Emirs of Sokoto and Gwandu, therefore lacked republican status.

(vi) Their societyThe term society is derived from the Latin word 'socius' meaning friendship or companionship. Society is a community, nation or group of people who share the same traditions, institutions, rules and... More was highly stratified, segmented into upper, middle and lower classes and the Talakawas.

(vii) Emirates kept a standing army to defend the emirate under the control of Madawaki.

(viii) Emirates judicial system was based on Sharia laws headed by Islamic Scholars, Alkali but Emir’s court was the highest court.

(ix) Succession to the throne was hereditary, rather than election or appointment.

(x) The Emir was autocratic. It operated an absolute monarchy.

Yoruba:

(i) Yoruba pre-colonial administration operated constitutional monarchy. The Oba-in-Council made the law, implemented the law, and settled cases.

(ii) There existed a council of a senior chief, the seven hereditary Oyomesi, led by Bashorun. The council and the Oba, exercised legislative, executive, and judicial powers to ensure peace, success, and good governance of the Kingdom.

(iii) There was the existence of the principles of checks and balances in the system.

(iv) There was the existence of the Ogboni cult that checked the excesses of the Oba and Oyomesi.

(v) The system had a standing army to defend its territory from external attacks led by Aare Ona Kakanfo

(vi) Rulership was hereditary. A new Oba is selected by the Oyomesi among the ruling families.

(vii) There was the existence of a Chief priest that performed religious functions mediated between the Oba and their gods.

(viii) The Oba was the paramount ruler.

(ix) The system was democratic. Oba did not possess absolute power. Oba and his council of chiefs exercised political power and there were principles of checks and balances including removing an errant Oba by presenting him with an empty Calabash.

Igbo:

(i) The village was the highest administrative structure. Compound or family was also a unit of administration.

(ii) There was the existence of decentralization of power. Political power and authority were fragmented or segmented as different political institutions exercised political power e.g Umunna, Ohana-eze, Ndiiche.

(iii) Council of elders, Ndiiche, and the family heads played important role in the administration of villages. They implemented laws and settled cases.

(iv) Decisions were reached through consensus.

(v) Age grades played important role in pre-colonial Igbo society as they implemented laws and defended the community from external attacks.

(vi) The villages and communities were republican in nature or in autonomous.

(vii) Successions to leadership or power were by achievement.

(viii) Ozo title holders played important roles in traditional Igbo society.

(ix) There was a fusion of religious, judicial and political functions in administration.

(x) Deities and Oracles provided a bond of unity among the people.