In the administration of old Sokoto Caliphate, the western empire had its capital at

Analyze the question: After the Fulani jihad (1804–1808), Usman dan Fodio divided the Sokoto Caliphate into two parts for administration:

• Eastern Empire: governed by his son, Muhammad Bello, from Sokoto.
• Western Empire: governed by his brother, Abdullahi dan Fodio, from Gwandu.

Concept: The Caliphate was run as two administrative blocks. The Sultan sat at Sokoto and oversaw the east, which included emirates such as Kano, Zaria, Katsina, Bauchi and Adamawa. The west, under the Emir of Gwandu, covered areas like Nupe, Ilorin, Kebbi and parts of Borgu. The Emir of Gwandu was subordinate to the Sultan in Sokoto, who was the overall head.

Working through the options:

• A. "Gobi" is not a capital of the caliphate. It is likely a distractor.
• B. "Gwanda" is most likely a misspelling of Gwandu, the capital of the western empire.
• C. Ilorin was an emirate in the west, but not the capital of the western empire.
• D. Sokoto was the capital of the eastern empire and the seat of the Sultan.
• E. Zaria was an emirate in the east.

Answer: The western empire's capital was Gwandu.

Tip: Remember "Sokoto = Son (Bello), Gwandu = Grand-brother/uncle (Abdullahi)." Sokoto went with the son and Gwandu with the brother. Also watch for spelling variations in options like this, because the examiner usually intends the closest match.