Answer to Question #92883 in History for Niyola

Question

compare and contrast centralized and non centralized systems of administration in pre colonial Nigeria.

Answer 1

Ever before the commencement of colonialism, the people of what later became known as Nigeria were living under different administration or political arrangements. However, thepre-colonial Nigeria symbolises the methods or ways by which Nigerians govern themselves before the advent of colonialism. It means traditional systems preceded the era of colonialism.

From the same position, the pre-colonial Nigeria varies from one region the the other because the ethnic and ethno-linguistic differences. For instance, while some political systems are centralized or chiefly society (e.g Yoruba pre-colonial system and Hausa/Fulani), others were decentralized or chiefless society (like the Igbo clan system which was acephalous in nature). Interestingly, indirect rule would not have been possible without the already established pre-colonial system.