The Traditional Political Structure

As in so many societies of present day Africa, several political systems exist aside. In case of NE Nigeria, especially the firki-plains, there are three different structures. First, there is the modern administration of Borno State as part of the Federal Republik of Nigeria. Next comes the traditional administration of the former Borno Empire with the court of the Shehu ('sheikh') in Maiduguri and his representatives in the Local Government areas. Due to the turmoils at the beginning of the 20th century, Borno was devided into two seperate emirates, so for the firki-area, the Emir of Dikwa was the highest traditional political authority.

Thirdly we have political remains of the ancient, once independant 'kingdoms' of that area. In course of our research, special attention has been given to the kingdom of Ngala.

At the center of the administration stands the mai, a title wich goes back beyond islamic times and formerly had characteristics of divine kingship. Today the mai has a rank within the traditional system of the Dikwa Emirate and is not recognized as a local king. Only within Ngala he retains the old office, of course with his powers greatly diminished.

The mai is surrounded by a court of holders of hereditary titles (adawu), like his immediate relatives and various offices, such as ceremonial masters, military officers and advisors. These structures can be found in various variations throught the lands, which traditionally did not belong to the Borno heartland.

In pre-colonial times the subjects of the mais were basically divided into free traders, craftsmen, farmers and slaves, which also hold various offices and titles within the system.

Each of these small kingdoms with one central town, was surrounded by several villages which were lead by a village head (bulama). These villages had to pay levy - mostly crops - to the mai who had certain obligations to redistribute the stored food in times of scarcity.

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