Question

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

In pre-colonial Hausa governance, which official title was held by the senior female political leader who represented women's interests and exercised influence in state affairs?

  1. MagajiyaAnswer
  2. B
    Iyalode
  3. C
    Umuada
  4. D
    Erelu

Answer

Magajiya
In pre-colonial Hausa society, the Magajiya served as the recognized leader of women, exercising administrative influence and advising traditional authorities on political and social matters affecting women.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the target ethnic/regional pre-colonial political system in the question.
The stem focuses on female political titles within pre-colonial Hausa governance.
Nigerian pre-colonial political systems used distinct titles for female leaders across different regions.
2
Match the political function with the corresponding traditional title.
The Magajiya was the official title given to the head of women who represented their interests in Hausa state administration.
Titles such as Iyalode, Erelu, and Umuada belong to Yoruba and Igbo political systems respectively.

Key Concept

Women political leadership titles in pre-colonial Nigerian societies
Rate this question