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Question

Difficulty: MediumPolitical and Social Roles of Women Groups in Pre-Colonial Nigeria

In pre-Islamic Hausa traditional political administration, which female titleholder held supreme executive authority over women's affairs and possessed political influence capable of advising and counterbalancing royal decisions?

  1. MagajiyaAnswer
  2. B
    Madawaki
  3. C
    Galadima
  4. D
    Iyalode

Answer

Magajiya held executive authority over women's political affairs in pre-Islamic Hausa administration.
In pre-Islamic Hausa states, political authority included prominent female titles such as the Magajiya, who led female affairs, influenced council decisions, and exercised institutional power alongside male rulers.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the political system and region referenced in the prompt.
The question pertains specifically to pre-colonial pre-Islamic Hausa political administration.
Different Nigerian ethnic groups had distinct female titles and governance roles.
2
Examine the specific female leadership title within pre-Islamic Hausa governance.
The Magajiya was the official head of female titleholders and exercised significant political leverage over royal affairs.
Distinguishing between male state titles (Madawaki, Galadima) and Yoruba female titles (Iyalode) confirms Magajiya as the correct role.

Key Concept

Political leadership and female titleholders in pre-colonial Hausa governance.
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Topics

Political and Social Roles of Women Groups in Pre-Colonial Nigeria