How did the people of any one British West African territory govern themselves before the advent of colonial rule?

Answer Details

Before the advent of colonial rule, the Hausa-Fulani of Northern Nigeria (a British West African territory) governed themselves through a highly organised, centralised system of administration based on the emirate structure and Islamic law.

1. The Emir as head of the state: Each emirate was headed by an Emir, who was the political, administrative and religious head. He wielded executive, legislative and judicial authority and was regarded as the spiritual leader of his people.
2. A centralised and hierarchical structure: Authority flowed downward from the Emir through a well-defined chain of officials, making the system firmly centralised and orderly.
3. Council of advisers (title-holders): The Emir ruled with the advice and assistance of a council of appointed officials who headed various departments of state. These included the Waziri (chief adviser or prime minister), the Galadima (in charge of the capital), the Madawaki (commander of the army), the Sarkin Ruwa (in charge of water/fisheries), the Sarkin Fada (head of palace officials) and the Maaji (treasurer).
4. Administration based on Islamic law: Government and justice were founded on the Sharia (Islamic law). The Alkali courts, presided over by learned judges (Alkalis), administered justice according to Islamic law, with the Emir's court as the highest.
5. Taxation system: There was an organised system of taxation, including Zakat (alms), Jangali (cattle tax), Kharaj (land tax) and other levies, collected by appointed officials and used to run the administration.
6. District and village administration: The emirate was divided into districts headed by District Heads (Hakimi) and villages headed by Village Heads, who administered their areas and collected taxes on behalf of the Emir.
7. Standing army: The state maintained an organised army under the Madawaki for defence, the maintenance of order and the expansion of the emirate.
8. Appointment and control of officials: The Emir appointed, promoted and could dismiss the officials who served under him, ensuring loyalty and control.

This centralised, hierarchical and Islamic-based system made the Hausa-Fulani emirates well suited to the indirect rule later adopted by the British.