Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumHausa-Fulani Political Structure and Executive Administration

Arrange the administrative positions of the pre-colonial Hausa-Fulani political structure in descending order of executive authority, from the highest central official down to the local administrative authority.

  1. 1Emir (Sarkin)
  2. 2Hakimi
  3. 3Dagaci
  4. 4Mai Ungwa

Answer

The correct order of authority from highest to lowest in the pre-colonial Hausa-Fulani administrative system is: Emir (Sarkin), followed by Hakimi (District Head), then Dagaci (Village Head), and finally Mai Ungwa (Ward Head).
The Hausa-Fulani pre-colonial executive administration operated a centralized hierarchical chain of command. At the top was the Emir (Sarkin), followed by the Hakimi who governed districts. Each district comprised villages led by a Dagaci, and each village contained wards led by a Mai Ungwa.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the apex executive authority of the emirate.
The Emir (Sarkin) holds central sovereign executive authority at the top of the administrative hierarchy.
The Emir acts as both spiritual and political leader of the emirate under the Sokoto Caliphate structure.
2
Determine the intermediate administrative officer responsible for regional divisions.
The Hakimi (District Head) is placed directly below the Emir.
Emirates were subdivided into districts governed by Hakimis appointed by the Emir.
3
Identify the local administrative official directly supervising villages within a district.
The Dagaci (Village Head) ranks below the Hakimi.
Districts were divided into villages headed by Dagacai who maintained peace and collected taxes locally.
4
Locate the smallest administrative unit authority at the base of the structure.
The Mai Ungwa (Ward Head) occupies the lowest tier of administrative hierarchy.
Villages were broken down into wards overseen by the Mai Ungwa.

Key Concept

Hierarchical administrative structure of the Hausa-Fulani pre-colonial political system.
Rate this question

Topics

Hausa-Fulani Political Structure and Executive Administration