In the traditional Hausa-Fulani political system, political authority was vested in the ___________

Analyze the question: It asks who held political authority (supreme power) in the traditional Hausa-Fulani political system.

Explain the concept: In the Hausa-Fulani system (especially after the Usman dan Fodio jihad of 1804), the structure was highly centralized and hierarchical:

• Sarki (Hausa) / Emir (Fulani): Head of the emirate. He held political, administrative, military, and religious authority. His position was supreme.
• Emirate Council / Advisers (e.g., Waziri, Madawaki, Galadima): They advised and assisted the Emir, but did not hold ultimate authority.
• Alkali: The judge. He handled judicial matters under Islamic (Sharia) law, so his role was judicial, not supreme political authority.
• Talakawa: The commoners (the ordinary people). They were the governed, who paid taxes and obeyed the ruler.

Step-by-step solution:

1. Identify the key phrase: "political authority was vested in..." which means the supreme ruling power.
2. Eliminate B (Talakawa): they were the subjects, not rulers.
3. Eliminate C (Alkali): he was the judicial officer, not the holder of political authority.
4. Eliminate D (Emirate Council): the council was advisory and its members were appointed by the Emir and answerable to him.
5. Remaining option: the Emir, who was the political head, appointed officials, and was the final authority in the emirate.

Answer: The Emir, option A.

Exam tip: Remember the pyramid of the Hausa-Fulani system: Emir → Council/Title holders → District Heads (Hakimai) → Village Heads → Talakawa. If the question says "political authority" or "supreme power", pick the head at the top, the Emir. If it says "judicial", think Alkali. If it says "commoners", think Talakawa.