Meaning, Characteristics and Examples of Centralised States in Pre-colonial Nigeria for JSS 1

Meaning, Characteristics and Examples of Centralised States in Pre-colonial Nigeria for JSS 1

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain the meaning of centralised states;
2. identify the characteristics of centralised states;
3. list examples of centralised states in Pre-colonial Nigeria;
4. identify the locations of centralised states in Nigeria;
5. Identify reasons why centralised states are a source of pride to Nigerians.

Meaning of Centralised States

A centralised state is a type of political system where power and authority are concentrated in a single, central government or ruler.

In a centralised state, decisions are made by the central authority. Its laws and rules apply to all parts of the territory it controls. This central government usually has control over the military, collects taxes and appoints officials to govern different areas.

Characteristics of Centralised States

Centralised states in pre-colonial Nigeria shared several common features. These features made them powerful and organised. These characteristics helped them to maintain control over large territories and many people.

The characteristics of centralised states include:

1. Strong Central Authority: There was a powerful ruler, such as an Oba, Emir or Alafin, who held most of the power. This ruler often had a council of chiefs or advisers, but the final decisions rested with the central authority.
2. Defined Territory: Each state had clear boundaries and controlled a specific geographical area. People living within these boundaries were subject to the central government.
3. Organised Administration: The central ruler had officials and administrators who helped to govern different parts of the state. These officials were responsible for collecting taxes, enforcing laws and maintaining order.
4. Standing Army: Many centralised states had a well-organised army to protect their borders, expand their territory and suppress rebellions. This army was loyal to the central ruler.
5. System of Taxation: The central government collected taxes or tributes from its people and conquered territories. This revenue was used to fund the army, administration and public works.
6. Judicial System: There was a system of laws and courts to settle disputes and punish offenders. The central authority often had the final say in important legal matters.
7. Economic Control: The central government often controlled important trade routes, markets and resources, which helped to generate wealth for the state.

Major Centralised States in Pre-colonial Nigeria

Pre-colonial Nigeria was home to several powerful centralised states. These states developed over many centuries, each with its unique history, culture and political structure. They played a significant role in shaping the history and identity of the different ethnic groups in Nigeria.

Hausa States

The Hausa states, located in what is now northern Nigeria, emerged around the 9th century. They were a collection of independent city-states, including Kano, Katsina, Zazzau (Zaria), Gobir, Rano, Biram and Daura. Each state had its own ruler, known as an Emir, but they shared a common language, culture and, later, the Islamic religion.

The Hausa states were known for their vibrant trade networks, especially in trans-Saharan trade, dealing in gold, kola nuts, salt and slaves. They developed strong administrative systems and impressive walled cities. Islam became a dominant religion from the 14th century, influencing their laws, education and architecture.

Kanem-Borno Empire

The Kanem-Borno Empire was one of the longest-lasting empires in African history, existing for over a thousand years. It originated in the Kanem region (present-day Chad) around the 9th century and later expanded into the Borno region (northeastern Nigeria) around the 14th century.

The empire was ruled by the Sefawa dynasty. Its capital, Birnin Ngazargamu, was a major centre of learning and trade. The empire controlled important trade routes across the Sahara Desert and was known for its powerful cavalry. Islam was the official religion, and the empire had a sophisticated system of governance and a strong military.

Nupe Kingdom

The Nupe Kingdom was located in the middle belt of Nigeria, around the confluence of the River Niger and River Kaduna. It emerged as a powerful state around the 15th century. The Nupe people are known for their rich cultural heritage, including their traditional crafts like brass work, glass beads and weaving.

The kingdom was well-organised with a central ruler, the Etsu Nupe, who governed through a network of chiefs. The Nupe Kingdom was strategically located for trade along the Niger River and was involved in regional commerce.

Oyo Empire

The Oyo Empire was a powerful Yoruba kingdom that dominated much of southwestern Nigeria and parts of the present-day Republic of Benin. It rose to prominence around the 14th century and reached its peak between the 17th and 18th centuries.

The empire was ruled by the Alafin, who was a spiritual and political leader. The Alafin governed with the help of a powerful council of chiefs called the Oyo Mesi and a military commander, the Are Ona Kakanfo. Oyo was famous for its strong cavalry and its well-structured political system, which allowed it to control a vast territory and collect tribute from conquered states.

Igala Kingdom

The Igala Kingdom, with its capital at Idah, is located in the confluence region of Nigeria, east of the River Niger. It emerged as a significant power around the 16th century. The Attah of Igala is the traditional ruler and spiritual head of the Igala people.

The kingdom’s strategic location at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers made it an important trading hub, connecting different parts of Nigeria. The Igala were known for their strong cultural identity and their influence on neighbouring communities.

Benin Empire

The Benin Empire, located in what is now Edo State, was one of the oldest and most highly developed states in West Africa. It was founded by the Edo people and became a powerful kingdom around the 13th century, reaching its height between the 15th and 17th centuries.

The Oba of Benin was the supreme ruler, revered as a divine king. The empire was famous for its sophisticated art, especially its bronze castings, ivory carvings and elaborate palace architecture. Benin City, the capital, was a well-planned city with massive defensive walls. The empire had a strong military and a complex administrative system.

Niger Delta City-States

The Niger Delta region, with its intricate network of rivers and creeks, saw the rise of several independent city-states. These states, such as Bonny, Opobo, Nembe and Okrika, emerged from the 15th century onwards. Unlike the large territorial empires, these were primarily trading states.

They were organised around powerful trading houses and chiefs, who controlled the palm oil trade and other commodities with European merchants along the coast. Their political structures were often less centralised than the inland empires, but they were highly effective in managing their trade and defending their territories.

Kalabari Kingdom

The Kalabari Kingdom is one of the prominent city-states within the Niger Delta region, located in what is now Rivers State. It developed as a major trading power from the 17th century, specialising in the palm oil trade and other coastal commerce.

The Kalabari people are known for their rich cultural traditions, including their elaborate masquerades and festivals. The kingdom was governed by a king (Amanyanabo) and a council of chiefs, who managed trade and community affairs.

Locations of Centralised States in Nigeria

Understanding the geographical locations of these centralised states helps to appreciate their historical development and interactions. Many of these states were strategically located along major trade routes or near important natural resources.

Observe the map below, which shows the approximate locations of these pre-colonial centralised states in Nigeria.

The locations are:

1. Hausa States: Primarily in the northern part of Nigeria (e.g., Kano, Katsina, Zaria).
2. Kanem-Borno Empire: Located in the northeastern part of Nigeria, extending into present-day Chad and Niger.
3. Nupe Kingdom: Situated in the middle belt region, around the confluence of the River Niger and River Kaduna.
4. Oyo Empire: Dominated the southwestern part of Nigeria.
5. Igala Kingdom: Found in the middle belt, east of the River Niger, with its capital at Idah.
6. Benin Empire: Located in the south-south region, in what is now Edo State.
7. Niger Delta City-States (including Kalabari): Along the coastal areas of the present-day Niger Delta region.

Locating Centralised States on a Map

The ability to locate these historical states on a map helps in understanding their geographical context and how they relate to modern-day Nigeria.

The procedure for locating centralised states on a map involves the following steps:

1. Obtain a political map of Nigeria that shows states and major rivers.
2. Identify the cardinal points (North, South, East, West) on the map.
3. Locate major geographical features like the River Niger and River Benue, which often served as boundaries or important trade routes for these states.
4. Using the descriptions provided, identify the general region where each state was located. For example, the Hausa states were in the North, and the Oyo Empire was in the Southwest.
5. Carefully mark or point to the approximate area on the map corresponding to each centralised state.
6. Compare the markings with a historical map to ensure accuracy.

Centralised States as a Source of Pride to Nigerians

The history of centralised states in pre-colonial Nigeria is a significant source of pride for Nigerians for several reasons:

1. Rich Heritage: These states represent a rich and complex history of political organisation, cultural development and economic prosperity long before colonial rule. They show that Nigerian societies were not primitive but had sophisticated systems of governance.
2. Advanced Civilisations: Empires like Benin, Oyo and Kanem-Borno were highly advanced civilisations with impressive achievements in art, architecture, administration and military organisation. The Benin bronzes, for example, are world-renowned works of art.
3. Strong Leadership: The rulers of these states, such as the Obas, Emirs and Alafins, were powerful and respected leaders who built and maintained large, stable societies. Their leadership demonstrates a legacy of strong governance.
4. Cultural Identity: The traditions, languages and customs that developed within these states continue to shape the cultural identity of many Nigerian ethnic groups today. They provide a sense of belonging and continuity with the past.
5. Economic Prowess: Many of these states were major economic powers, controlling vast trade networks and accumulating wealth. This shows the entrepreneurial spirit and economic ingenuity of pre-colonial Nigerians.
6. Resilience and Innovation: The ability of these states to adapt, expand and maintain their influence for centuries demonstrates the resilience and innovative spirit of the people. They faced challenges and developed unique solutions to govern diverse populations.