Which of the following ethnic groups had an absolute centralized administration in the pre-colonial Nigeria?

Analyze the question: It asks which group had an absolute centralized system of administration before colonial rule. This means power was concentrated in one ruler, with a clear hierarchy beneath him.

Concept: Pre-colonial Nigerian political systems fell into three types:

1. Centralized with an absolute ruler: The Hausa-Fulani emirate system (Emir/Sarki) is the classic example. After the 1804 Jihad of Usman dan Fodio, the Sultan of Sokoto held supreme religious and political authority. Emirs governed under him and were assisted by officials such as the Waziri, Galadima and Madawaki. Islamic law (Sharia) backed their authority, and the Emir's power was largely unchecked by councils.
2. Centralized with limited monarchy: The Yoruba system (Alaafin of Oyo) had a king, but his power was checked by the Oyo Mesi (council of chiefs) and the Ogboni cult. The Alaafin could even be asked to commit suicide (symbolized by being presented with a calabash of parrot eggs). Yoruba kingship was therefore not absolute.
3. Decentralized (acephalous) systems: The Igbo, Ibibio and Ijaw (in many areas) had no single ruler. Power lay with village assemblies, councils of elders, age grades and secret societies such as Ekpe.

Working through the options:

• A. Hausa: absolute, centralized emirate system ✔
• B. Ibibio: decentralized, ruled by Ekpe society and elders ✘
• C. Igbo: decentralized and republican ✘
• D. Ijaw: mostly decentralized, with house-based chieftaincy ✘
• E. Yoruba: centralized but limited by councils ✘

Answer: A. Hausa

Tip: Remember the key phrases:

• Hausa-Fulani = absolute (the Emir's word was final)
• Yoruba = limited (checks by Oyo Mesi and Ogboni)
• Igbo = no king (decentralized)

When you see "absolute" in a question on Nigerian pre-colonial government, think Hausa-Fulani first.