The minister of defence in Hausa pre-colonial political system is

Analyze the question: It asks which title-holder served as the "minister of defence" in the Hausa pre-colonial political system (the Hausa city-states and the Sokoto Caliphate structure that followed).

Concept: Hausa political titles

In the Hausa emirate system, the Emir (Sarki) was assisted by a council of title-holders:

• Galadima: administrator of the capital city, often described as the Prime Minister or Chief Administrator. He also oversaw the western part of the emirate.
• Sarkin Pawa: head of the butchers (the Chief Butcher). He was in charge of the meat trade, not defence.
• Madawaki: Commander of the army, so the Chief of Staff or Minister of Defence. He was the Emir's chief military adviser.
• Dogari: the Emir's bodyguards or palace police, who also acted as messengers and enforcers. They were not the head of the defence ministry.

Other titles worth knowing: Waziri (Chief Adviser and link with the Emir), Magajin Gari (in charge of the city's affairs), Sarkin Ruwa (Minister of Water/Fisheries), Sarkin Fada (head of the palace), Ma'aji (Treasurer), Alkali (Judge), and Limamin (Chief Imam).

Solution:

1. The question asks about defence, which means the army.
2. Galadima handles administration, so it is out.
3. Sarkin Pawa deals with butchers, so it is out.
4. Dogari are bodyguards and police, not the head of the military, so they are out.
5. Madawaki is the army commander, which matches the Minister of Defence.

Answer: C. Madawaki

Tip: Link "Madawaki" with "military" (both begin with "Ma" and relate to the army's commander). Also remember: Galadima = Administration, Sarkin Pawa = Pieces of meat, Dogari = Door guards.