NON-CENTRALIZED STATES IN PRE-COLONIAL NIGERIA
Inter-Relationships Among Centres of Civilization
Inter-relationships refer to the connections, influences, and interactions that existed between these centres. They include:
- Trade Relations: Cities traded goods like sculptures, palm oil, ivory, kola nuts, and textiles.
- Cultural Influence – Religion: Traditional religion, Islam, and Christianity spread through trade and migration.
- Cultural Influence – Art and Architecture: Benin’s bronze casting and Hausa fortified cities influenced neighbouring regions.
- Political and Diplomatic Ties: City-states formed alliances through marriage, diplomacy, tribute, and political networks.
- Migration and Settlement: People moved between centres for trade, farming, or safety, causing cultural exchange and settlement.
Differences Among Centres of Civilization
Despite connections, there were notable differences:
| Feature |
Southern Civilizations (Ife, Benin, Oyo) |
Northern Civilizations (Kano, Sokoto, Katsina) |
Niger Delta City-States (Calabar, Warri) |
| Economy |
Agriculture, craft, palm oil, trade |
Trade, agriculture, cattle rearing, crafts |
Fishing, trading palm oil, slaves |
| Political System |
Monarchies (Oba, Alaafin) |
Emirs, Sultanates |
Chiefs, councils, smaller kingdoms |
| Religion |
Traditional Yoruba beliefs, some Islam |
Predominantly Islam |
Traditional beliefs, early Christianity |
| Art and Culture |
Bronze casting, sculptures, festivals |
Leatherwork, weaving, Islamic architecture |
Carving, canoe making, trade crafts |
| Urbanization |
Large cities (Benin, Oyo) |
Walled cities (Kano, Zaria) |
Coastal trade towns |
INTER-RELATIONSHIPS OF SOME CENTRES OF CIVILIZATION IN PRE-COLONIAL NIGERIA
Relationships between peoples from different centres of civilization in pre-colonial Nigeria
Case Study: Ile-Ife / Benin and Kanem-Bornu / Hausa States
Ile-Ife and Benin Relationship
The relationship between Ile-Ife (Yoruba kingdom) and the Benin Kingdom was one of the most important
examples of interaction between pre-colonial Nigerian civilizations.
1. Historical Background
- Ile-Ife is regarded as the spiritual and cultural centre of the Yoruba, seen as the “cradle of Yoruba civilization.”
- Benin Kingdom was one of the most powerful and organized states in the forest region of Nigeria, ruled by the Oba of Benin.
- According to oral traditions, Benin traced part of its royal institutions to Ile-Ife. This created cultural and political ties between the two kingdoms.
2. Political Relationship
- The royal dynasty of Benin is believed to have been influenced by Ile-Ife.
- A prince from Ife, sometimes identified as Oranmiyan, was invited to Benin to establish a stable monarchy.
- His descendants became the Obas of Benin.
- This created a permanent link between the two kingdoms through dynastic origin.
- Diplomatic ties were maintained through exchange of gifts, envoys, and political alliances.
3. Economic Relationship
- Both centres engaged in trade and exchange of goods.
- Ile-Ife was famous for its artistic works (terracotta, bronze, and stone sculptures).
- Benin developed its own bronze casting industry, influenced by Ife art.
- They exchanged agricultural products, ivory, beads, and slaves.
- The trade routes that linked Ile-Ife and Benin also connected them with other Yoruba towns and coastal areas, boosting regional commerce.
4. Cultural Relationship
- Artistic Influence: Ife’s advanced bronze and terracotta art strongly influenced Benin’s renowned bronze casting tradition.
- Religion: Both shared belief in a supreme deity and worship of ancestors.
- Rituals, coronation practices, and festivals in Benin reflected Yoruba traditions adopted from Ife.
- Language Influence: Elements of Yoruba culture, titles, and traditions entered Benin society.
5. Social Relationship
- Intermarriages occurred between the ruling families and nobles of the two kingdoms.
- Migration of artisans, traders, and priests between Ile-Ife and Benin helped blend cultures.
- This exchange promoted unity and mutual respect between the two centres.
Significance of the Ile-Ife and Benin Relationship
- Helped spread Yoruba culture and traditions into Benin.
- Promoted unity and cultural exchange between two powerful pre-colonial states.
- Strengthened Benin’s monarchy, giving it political stability.
- Gave rise to the rich artistic traditions of Benin, which became famous across West Africa.
- Enhanced economic prosperity through trade networks.
Kanem-Bornu and Hausa States — Inter-relationships & Differences
Introduction
Before colonial rule, Nigeria was home to powerful and organized states such as the
Kanem-Bornu Empire (in the North-East) and the Hausa States
(in the North-West). These centres of civilization developed rich political, economic,
social, and cultural systems. Though different in origin, they were not isolated — they
interacted through trade, religion, culture, migration, and warfare.
Kanem-Bornu Empire
- Located in the Lake Chad region, with capital at Ngazargamu.
- One of the oldest states in the area, existing from the 9th century.
- Rulers were known as Mai.
- Strongly influenced by Islam from the 11th century.
-
Economy: farming (millet, sorghum), fishing, and trans-Saharan trade in
slaves, salt, horses, and kola nuts.
Hausa States
-
Group of city-states such as Kano, Katsina, Zaria, Gobir, Daura, Rano, Biram.
- Each ruled by a Sarki (king).
- Known for trans-Saharan trade, crafts, leatherwork, cloth weaving, and iron-smelting.
- Islam spread widely in the Hausa states from the 14th century.
Areas of Inter-relationship between Kanem-Bornu and Hausa States
(a) Trade
- Both were part of the trans-Saharan trade network.
- Kanem-Bornu supplied slaves, ostrich feathers, ivory, and horses.
- Hausa states supplied leather, cloth, dyed materials, grains, and salt.
- Kano and Katsina became commercial centres attracting Kanem-Bornu traders.
(b) Religion
- Islam was a major link between the regions.
- Both regions embraced Islam, encouraging closer ties.
- Muslim scholars and clerics moved between Kanem-Bornu and Hausa cities, spreading
Islamic learning and law.
- Pilgrimage routes to Mecca passed through both areas, strengthening contact.
(c) Culture
- Islam influenced language (Arabic writing), dress, education, and architecture in both regions.
- Hausa states borrowed Islamic judicial systems (Sharia) which Kanem-Bornu had earlier adopted.
- Architectural styles (mosques, palaces, city walls) showed similarities due to Islamic influence.
(d) Politics and Diplomacy
- Kanem-Bornu was at times more powerful and influenced Hausa states through military strength and diplomacy.
- Hausa rulers sometimes sought alliances with Bornu for protection against rivals.
- In later years, Bornu kings exchanged ambassadors and gifts with Hausa rulers.
(e) Migration and Settlement
- Traders, scholars, and migrants moved freely between the two regions.
- Hausa traders settled in Bornu towns, while Bornu traders lived in Kano and Katsina.
- These movements led to intermarriages and blending of cultures.
Significance of the Inter-relationships
- Strengthened economic growth of both regions.
- Promoted the spread of Islam and Arabic literacy.
- Enhanced cultural exchange (art, dress, architecture, festivals).
- Improved diplomatic and political relations.
- Helped create unity of identity in Northern Nigeria before colonialism.
Differences between Kanem-Bornu and Hausa States
| Feature |
Kanem-Bornu Empire |
Hausa States |
| Political System |
Centralized under a powerful Mai |
Decentralized into many independent Sarkis |
| Religion |
Islam became dominant earlier (11th century) |
Islam spread later (14th century) |
| Military Strength |
Strong, with cavalry and foreign alliances |
Weaker, often invaded by stronger neighbours |
| Economy |
Fishing, farming, trans-Saharan trade |
Trade (Kano, Katsina), crafts, weaving |
DIFFERENCES AMONG CENTRES OF CIVILIZATION IN PRE-COLONIAL NIGERIA
The major centres of civilization in pre-colonial Nigeria were:
- Yoruba Kingdoms (Ile-Ife, Oyo)
- Benin Kingdom
- Igbo societies
- Hausa States
- Kanem-Bornu Empire
- Niger Delta States (Bonny, Opobo, Warri, Calabar)
Though they interacted through trade, war, and migration, they had clear differences in
political structure, culture, and religion.
1 POLITICAL STRUCTURE
Yoruba Kingdoms (Ile-Ife, Oyo)
- Centralized monarchy.
- Ooni of Ife was both political and spiritual leader.
Alaafin of Oyo had political authority, assisted by the Oyo Mesi (council of chiefs)
and Ogboni society.
- Oyo Empire was well organized with provinces and tribute collection.
Benin Kingdom
- Highly centralized monarchy.
- The Oba of Benin was supreme ruler, regarded as divine.
- Assisted by chiefs (Uzama nobles, palace chiefs, and town chiefs).
- Strong military structure to control territories.
Igbo Societies
- Decentralized, acephalous (stateless).
- No single king in most areas.
-
Decisions taken by council of elders, age grades, and secret societies (e.g., Ekpe,
Okonko).
- Some exceptions like Onitsha and Nri which had kings.
Hausa States
- Each city-state (Kano, Katsina, Zaria, Gobir, etc.) ruled by a Sarki (king).
- Later replaced by Emirs after the Fulani Jihad (19th century).
- Strong influence of Islamic scholars and officials in governance.
Kanem-Bornu Empire
- One of the oldest centralized kingdoms.
- Ruler was the Mai, powerful and respected.
- Strong administrative system with nobles, governors, and army leaders.
Niger Delta States
- Small city-states.
- Ruled by kings (Obong, Amanyanabo, Olu) and councils of elders.
- Traders and canoe-house leaders played important roles in politics.
2. CULTURE AND CUSTOMS
Yoruba
- Rich festivals: Olojo, Ogun, Sango, Egungun.
- Respect for kingship and ancestors.
- Known for terracotta and bronze art.
- Marriage: dowry and elaborate ceremonies.
Benin
- Elaborate palace rituals.
- Art: famous for bronze casting and ivory carving.
- Oba seen as semi-divine.
- Strong guild traditions.
Igbo
- Age-grade system very important.
- Masquerades (Mmanwu) and New Yam Festival.
- Strong respect for ancestors.
- Marriage: bride price negotiations.
Hausa
- Culture influenced by Islam.
- Horse-riding, Durbar festivals.
- Craftsmanship in leather, cloth dyeing, weaving.
- Marriage based on Islamic laws.
Kanem-Bornu
- Strong Islamic scholarship.
- Use of Arabic language in learning.
- Military culture: horsemen and cavalry.
- Customs shaped by Islam.
Niger Delta
- Fishing and canoe culture.
- Festivals tied to water spirits and deities.
- Trade customs and hospitality to foreigners.
- Marriage often linked with dowries in goods.
3. RELIGIOUS BELIEFS
Yoruba
- Believed in Olodumare (Supreme God).
- Worship of Orishas (e.g., Ogun, Sango, Ifa).
- Priests, diviners (babalawo) played important roles.
Benin
- Believed in Osanobua (Supreme God).
- Worship of ancestors and other deities.
- Oba acted as chief priest and religious head.
Igbo
- Believed in Chukwu (Supreme God).
- Worship of deities (e.g., Amadioha, Ala).
- Ancestor worship central.
- Divination through oracles (e.g., Arochukwu oracle).
Hausa
- Islam became dominant from the 14th century.
- Islamic law (Sharia) guided life.
- Muslims observed daily prayers, fasting, and pilgrimage.
Kanem-Bornu
- Islam adopted earlier (11th century).
- Famous for Islamic scholarship, Qur’anic schools, and mosques.
- Rulers promoted Islam as state religion.
Niger Delta
- Traditional beliefs in water spirits (Mammy Water).
- Worship of ancestors and local deities.
- From the 15th century, Christianity spread through Portuguese and missionaries.
4. SUMMARY
- Political Structure: Centralized kingdoms (Oyo, Benin, Kanem-Bornu) vs decentralized societies (Igbo).
- Culture and Customs: Differences in festivals, art, marriage customs, social systems (age grades, chiefs, guilds).
- Religious Beliefs: Yoruba, Igbo, Benin = Traditional religion with Supreme God + lesser gods; Hausa and Kanem-Bornu = Islam; Niger Delta = Traditional religion + early Christianity.
Thus, pre-colonial Nigeria was diverse in politics, culture, and religion, which shaped the
identity of its people before colonialism.
5. Social Relationship