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AMALGAMATION
Amalgamation is defined as the means of uniting two or more different communities under a single administration
and political authority.
PHASES OF AMALGAMATION
The amalgamation of Nigeria was in phases as follow:
 Nigeria was divided into three regions namely:
1. Lagos colony created in 1861
2. Niger Coast Protectorate established in1884 and
3. Northern protectorate created in 1900.
 The first amalgamation was between the colony of Lagos and the protectorate of southern Nigeria in 1906
to become “The colony and protectorate of Southern Nigeria”. Sir Walter Egerton became the first
governor
 The proposal for the amalgamation of the country was made on 9th May, 1913 and secured the approval of
the Queen of England
 On the 1st of January, 1914 the two protectorate (Southern protectorate and Northern protectorate) were
amalgamated and Sir Fredrick Lugard became the first Governor-General of the country.
REASONS FOR THE AMALGAMATION
Some of the reasons for the amalgamation of 1914 include: To reduce cost of administration, to raise fund for the
colony, to ease administration, To unite the country, To accelerate growth and development, To achieve Lugard’s
Ambition and to gain full control of the territories.
MERITS OF AMALGAMATION
 It gave a political boost to already existing unity among the Nigerian people
 It saved cost of administration
 It completed the unification of Nigeria
DEMERITS OF AMALGAMATION
 It united the territory and not the people
 The implication of the amalgamation led to the Aba women riot of 1929
 Various sectors of the economy were not unified
 It created disunity to some extent

PERSONALITIES INVOLVED IN THE AMALGAMATION

a) Taubman Goldie: He was a British trader who created Royal Niger Company. He trained at Royal
Military Academy in England. He secured British claims to the Niger and Northern Nigeria. He
through RNC maintained effective occupation and control of Northern territory to the advantage of the
British and also laid the ground work for Nigeria. To his credit, he was regarded as the founder pf
modern Nigeria

b) SIR. FREDRICK LORD LUGARD:

 Sir, Fredrick Lugard was a British Soldier Mercenary, explorer of Africa and colonial
administrator.
 He was born in India but raised in England.
 He was the last Governor of the southern Nigeria protectorate (1912-1914)
 The first High Commissioner (1900 -1906) and last Governor of the Northern Protectorate
(1912 – 1914) and the First Governor –General of Nigeria (1914 – 1919).
 He headed the West Africa Frontier Force until the end of December 1899. He amalgamated
the Northern and Southern protectorate in 1914 and assisted by his wife Flora Shaw who
named the country, NIGERIA and wrote a book, A TROPICAL DEPENDENCY, A
HISTORY OF NIGERIA
 He systematically subdued local resistance using armed force
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 Lugard advocated for the amalgamation of Nigeria along other British Officials like Sir
William Macgregor, Sir Raph Moore
 Lugard got the nod from Mr. Lewis Vernon Harcourt to make his proposal for amalgamation
which he did to the queen of England in 1913.
SIGNIFICANCE OF AMALGAMATION
1. The colony and protectorate were bought under one government
2. Protectorate was changed to province.
3. Governor was changed to Lieutenant Governor who reported directly to Governor General.
4. Mr. A. G Boyle and Mr. C.L Temple were Lieutenant Governors for Southern and
Northern province respectively. Lagos was oversee by an Administrator, Mr. F.S James.
5. The central headquarters of unified government was in Lagos. The Governor General
shuffled between the provinces and Lagos. Lagos at this time was the capital of the country
until it was moved to ABUJA in 1991

POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

NON-CENTRALISED STATES IN PRECOLONIAL STATES

MEANING OF NON-CENTRALISED STATES: This refers to the states where there was no centralized power,
authority and administration. Power and authority were dispersed and distributed across individuals and groups.
Examples of non-centralized states include: Igbo, Ijaw, Oron, Idoma, Ebirra, Ibibio, Urhobo, Anang etc. Non-
centralized states are sometimes described as acephalous – that is state that had non-centralized authority or king.

CHARACTERISTICS OF NON-CENTRALIZED STATES

1. There is emphasis on collective leadership

2. Lack of central political power
3. Power and responsibility were dispersed across different political organs such as the family, village, age
grade etc
4. Social relation was based on kingship relations
5. States were segementary in nature
6. Political decision is collective
7. Age grade and secret societies bonded the states together to maintain unity
8. Rewards were based on influence and wealth. This is seen in the Ofor, Ozor and Igwe titled holder

THE TIV
 Tiv is a tribe in the Benue valley in the north central region of Nigeria. They are also found in
Nasarawa, Plateau, Taraba as well as Cross River and Cameroun.
 There are different account on the origin of the Tiv. One account said they migrated from the foot
hill of the Cameroun mountain while the most popular theory traced the origin to Bantu people
who lived in the Shaba area in the present Democratic Republic of Congo
 The legendary father was Tiv or Takuruku. He bore Ichongo and Ipusu who formed the nucleus of
Tiv people.
 The Tiv are farmers. Their survival also depended on use of bows and arrows, knife and spears

SOCIO-POLITICAL ORGANIZATION OF TIV

The Tiv pre-colonial administrative system comprises of the following components:

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THE ORYA:

While the compound is the basic unit of the political organization, the lineage is the most elaborate. They
conceptualize the object of politics as ‘TAR SORUN’ which is literally means the repair the land. In the process of
tar sorun, two councils are important, the ‘orya council and the ‘ityo’ council. “YA” is the compound. Each compound
is named after its head (orya) and is administered by a council made up of senior male members of the compound.

The orya chairs this council whose responsibilities include the pursuit of the political, social, religious and economic
wellbeing of the compound has the responsibility of keeping peace and settling disputes that arise between members
of the compound. In addition, the orya is vested with the power to determine sites for new buildings, admit, entertain
and expel visitors, distribute farm land and identify burial ground.

THE ITYO:

The ‘ITYO’ on the other hand is supreme in TIV “world-wide”, no person can go above his ityo (or hembe ityo ga)
It is his patrilineage. The ityo council called ijir (judgement) has funeral, religious, economic and political
responsibility which they discharge in accordance with tradition. Its membership representing the different “family”
or sub-lineages that comprise the particular lineage.

THE KWAV (Age Grade):

These kwav were formed every 3 years within members of the same tar. Members of the same age set could come
together for mutual help called ihyumbe in farming.

THE KUR:

Kur was a brave warrior who had a quality of good fighting. The kur u tya was the military chief, was usually the
leader of the tiv militia who leads in war. He is considered the strongest man in the community.

TOR-AGBANDE (The Drum Chief):

The Tor Agbande was in charge of the drum group entertainment. The Tor Agbande was also considered as a person.
He was also refers to as or mba tsav.

IGBA (Maternal Clan):

The Igba are very important in protecting their daughter with her children especially in times of sickness and death.
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THE IDOMA

 The Idoma migrated from Apa capital of Kwararafa kingdom because of incessant wars and insecurity.
 According to history, Iduh was the father of the Idoma. His children are Ananawoogeno, Olinaogwu, Idum,
Agabi, Eje, Ebeibi, Edeh and Ode.
SOCIO-POLITICAL STRUCTURE
 PATRILINEAGE OR IPOOPU: It is the basic building block of Idoma Social Political
organization. It is made up of one or more lineages who traced their origin to common ancestor.
 THE FAMILY UNIT (Ole): It is the smallest unit headed by Ad’ole. He settles disputes among the
family members
 OJILA: As the highest organ in the land, it is made up of all male adults. It is the meeting point of
all male adults. Decisions are taken here based on consensus and referendum. Ojila also select: The
Oche (The King), The Ai-igabo ( Grade Title holders) and The Ai-uta (Constabulary)
 THE ELDERS “Ai-Onyakwuoche Ole”: They monitor the activities of the Ojila
 OCHE (The King): He acted as both the king and religious leader. He is chosen through the central
Ojila
 AGE GRADE: They ensure the security of the kingdom and implement other policies of the
kingdom

THE EBIRA OR EGBIRA

The Ebira like the Idoma migrated from the Jukun in Kwararafa Kingdom. Ebira Tradition is
supported by Apete Stool that is regarded as the symbol of authority and kept in Opete in present
day Ajaokuta. The Apete is the present title instrument of Ozumu of Okene.

The Ebira were administered by leaders of lineages in a type of gerontocracy

THE SOCIAL AND POLITICAL ORGANIZATION OF EBIRA

 SEGEMENTARY SOCIETY: The society was segementary and consist of five principal
clans namely: Okengwe, Eika, Okehi, Adavi and Chima. The clan was the main political
unit.
 HEAD OF CLANS (Ohindase): The heads of various clans were known as Ohindase,
Adeika, Ohomahi, Asema and Obonbanyi. Each of the clan was self-governing and
independent.
 Administration of clans: The administration of the clan heads was in the hands of the
elders, influential individuals and the Chief Priest (Ohinoyi)
 Authority of the elders or council of elders: This consisted of clan heads, kindred heads
and people of integrity and wisdom
 Onoru (Influential individuals): This is attained through victory at war, wealth, physical
or magical power.
 Office of the Chief Priest: This is rotational among the five clans.
 Economic Factor: Agriculture was practiced alongside with cloth-weaving and crafts
 Centralized leadership: Ebira society remained a non-centralized society until 1902 when
the British government brought the clans under a centralized leadership of Attah Omadvi

THE IGBO
The Igbo as a non-centralized state began to move south and east from the region of Awka and Orlu
about A.D 1300 – 1400. They occupy five state comprising Imo, Ebonyi, Anambra, Abia and Enugu
state.
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POLITICAL AND SOCIAL STRUCTURE OF THE IGBO

The Igbo practiced a non-centralized and segementary system of government. The political system
was based on the village as a political unit.
 The village is made up of groups of related families. Each family head held Ofo title. All
the Ofo title holders together formed the Council of Elders (Ama-ala ) with the eldest
(Okpara) heading the council and presides over their meeting.
 The Age Grade: This consist of young men within the same age bracket. They serve as
security, maintain laws, implement policies etc.
 Ozo title holders: wealthy and influential individuals took this title.
 Shrines: Shrines were provided to ensure unity and social bond among the people. For
examples: the Arochukwu Oracle, Igweke Ala, Umumora etc

THE URHOBO AND ISOKO

Urhobo speaking people can be found in the present Delta state. The origin have been linked to the Ijo speaking
people of Niger Delta in which five clans were identified.

i. Owha clan: This consists of three settlement: Ughelli, Ogo and Agbarha. These settlement were
founded by Ogele, Ogo and Agbarha respectively.
ii. Ughienvwe and Ewu: These clans were founded by Ugbienvwe and Ogobiri. These two brothers
founded these clans after the left Ogobiri following the misunderstanding with their kinsmen
iii. Urhobo clan: Was established by Uwherun who has a Benin man as his father.
iv. Urhobo clan of Effurun(Uvwie): Was founded by a mixed group
v. Evhro-Oto: Was founded by group of migrants from Agbon that traced their origin to Benin.
POLITCAL AND SOCIAL STRUCTURES OF THE URHOBO
 Like the Igbo, the political structure was based on village in which the compound was the
smallest unit. The father was the head of the compound and he is responsible for the maintenance
of law and order and promotion of the welfare of the family.
 At the village level there was Council of Elders (Ekpako) for administering and taking care of
the welfare of the people
 Title Societies: These societies include: Ade, the Ohonwonre and the Okakuro. They control
the council of elders
 Age Grade: This consist of people of same age bracket.
 Gerontoccracy: Before the colonial rule the Urhobo political system was regarded as
gerontocracy – government by elders or the aged.
THE IJAW (IJO)
The Ijaw is believe by some historians to have migrated from Benin Agbor hinterland while
other account traced them to be descendants of autochthonous people or ancient tribe of Africa
called HORU. They are found in Rivers, Akwa- Ibom, cross-River, Delta, Balyesa and Ondo
state. In the early times, Ijaw formed three main states namely: Bonny (Ibeno), Nembe
(Brass), and Kalabari.
According to tradition, the foundation of Ijaw area was said to have been laid by three men
namely: Olodia, Onyo and Obolo. They hailed from Benin.
The second movement was led by Ogigida who was a descendant of Ginuwa, founder of
Itsekiri Kingdom.
The third immigrants founded the coastal part of Akassa and Twon.
Among the Nembe rulers, Kale-Ekule was the most remembered. The last ruler was Basua who
died in 1702. After his death, succession dispute started between the two sons, Ogbodo and
Mingi. This led to civil war and the two lines of kingship in Nembe (Brass)
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SOCIO-POLITICAL STRUCTURE OF THE IJAW

 The Ijaw developed a system of administration called House system. This system made people
to be grouped in households and wards. These composed of houses with families and village
heads
 The government was of elders who were descent.
 The House head or chief had powers of life and death over the household.
 Canoe House System – During the 18th century house system changed into canoe house system
following the growth in slave commerce
During this time slaves and low status freemen could rise to become Canoe House head as long
as they were wealthy. An example was king Jaja of Opobo. Strength and prosperity was
measured in the number of canoes owned
 Ijaw Canoe Houses were corporate organization made up of kinsmen, slaves and strangers that
want to successfully participate in Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.
 Economically, the Ijaw were into fishing and farming.

THE ORON (ORO)

Oron was formerly part of the South-Eastern state. According to tradition, their ancestors had settled in their present
location known as Akwa –Ibom before 2370 BC. They speak Oro as their dialect, although many speak Ibibio/Efik
language.

Culturally, the Oron are unique with their various traditional activities like the Ekpe Society. Members of the Ekpe
Society are said to act as messengers of the ancestors (Ikan)

SOCIO-POLITICAL STRUCTURE OF ORON PEOPLE.

Oron had non-centralized political structure. Some of the organs that featured in her political structure are:

 The head was known as Ahta Oro. He is the king and rule over the land with other chiefs
 Council of Chief: They helped in the administration. Some of the high chiefs include Ikpoto, Akpaha and
Okete
 Secret societies: some include: Ekpo, Abang, Edeme, Kongoma etc. They played the role of executing the
decisions of the council of priest
 Age Grade: they also help the council of priest to execute decisions
 Iyara: It is the traditional dressing of the Oron

THE IBIBIO
They are found in both Akwa Ibom and Cross River states. They claimed to have come from a place called
Ibom or that their fore father was called Ibom. They have closer relation with the Efik interms of language
and culture.
POLITICAL AND SOCIAL STRUCTURE OF THE IBIBIO
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 Segementary: Like the Igbo, they practiced segementary system of government.

 Village Group: They were often arranged in a group – a village group. A number of village formed
one unit
 The Village Council: It is the decision making organ of the community
 Leadership by Elders: The elders of the various village provided leadership in the council whose
symbol of authority was a stick, Ofo.
 Elders in Council: These are representatives in council of a senior among the elders who directed
the affairs in all the villages.
The Secret Society: An example was the Ekpo Society. It is composed of masked dancers who were
regarded as representatives of the ancestor

THE ANNANG

The Annag people are a peculiar cultural group within the Akwa Ibom state. According to history, they have their
origin in Jewish tribes from Egypt and settled in Ghana among the Twi before arriving in the coastal Southeastern
Nigeria and Southwest Cameron. They speak Annang.

SOCIAL AND POLITICAL STRUCTURE OF ANNAG

1. Patrilineal system: Their society is structured around patrilineal system.

2. Idip (womb): the womb formed the basis upon which Individuals locate their place in the social world.
3. The family: The family is also a political unit and it is made up of the father who is the head (Abong Ichong),
wife and children
4. Lineage system: All households that acknowledged a common line of descent formed a lineage known as
Ekpuk.
5. Village system: Villages were governed by village heads and council.
6. Abie (clan): This consist of group of villages
7. Afe Isong(Legislative arm): It is made up of elderly males and led by the Obong or Abong Ichong(village
chief of clan chief who is the head of the executive).
8. The Women: they serve as female chief priests ( Abia Idiong) in the Idiong Cult
9. Fattening Culture: The brides are kept in a fattening room in preparation for marriage. The fattening room
girl is called Mbodo
10. Cultural Activities: They engaged in different cultural activities like yam festivals, cultural dances, the Ekpo
and Ekpe festivals. They had association like Ulim or Udim for men and women.
11. Religious belief: They believe is in supreme being called Abasi Ibom (Abasi Enyong)
12. Economy: They practiced farming and fishing. They were also traders and craftsmen.
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GEOGRAPHICAL ENVIRONMENT
THE GHANA EMPIRE

 Ghana Empire was one the earliest Negro empires

 It was first mentioned by an Arab geographer, Al-Fazari, in AD 773 his book Al-Masuid where he referred
to Ghana as “a land of gold”
 According to an Arab traveler, Al-Bakri, the name Ghana was the title of the Soninke Kingdom called “
Aoukar” which means “ War chief”
 According to Arab sources, “Tarikh as Sudan” it appears Ghana empire was founded by Kaya Maghan of
Soninke dynasty
FACTORS THAT LED TO THE RISE OF GHANA EMPIRE
i. Geographical factor: It had natural geographical advantage on grassland that favoured agriculture
ii. Economic factor: It control of trans-saharan trade helped the rise. It exported gold from WANGARA,
slave, ivory , kola nut, honey, gum, leather and cotton to North Africa and Salt, horses, copper,
brocade and dried fruit from North Africa
iii. Political factor: The Soninke system of administration which ensure peace, law, order and justice
helped the rise
iv. Effective Leadership: The leaders played a crucial role in the rise of the empire
v. The army of Ghana: It had a well-organized army. Soninke of Ghana were the first Sudanese to adopt
the use of iron sword and spears as well as the cavalry

SOCIAL AND POLITICAL STRUCTURE OF GHANA EMPIRE

1. Central Administration: The central administration is headed by the king who is assisted by cabinet
members. There were the Vizier or prime minister.
2. Provinces: The empire was divided into provinces and headed by governors or vassal kings
3. District areas: the provinces is divided into district areas and are headed by district chiefs. The
provincial governors and district chiefs paid tributes to the emperor.

SYSTEM OF ADMINISTRATION
The administration of justice was taken seriously in Kumbi Saleh, the capital of the empire. Two
system of law operated side by side. Soninke Customary law for pagans and Muslim laws for
Muslim
THE STRUCTURE OF CUMBI SALEH
Kumbi Saleh consisted of two section: the Muslim section and the Pagan section known as AL-
GHABA which means “the grove”. It was the royal town.
FACTORS THAT LED TO THE FALL OF THE EMPIRE
Ghana Empire was at its peak of power at the beginning of 11th century. However, the attack from
the Sanhaja Berbers in 1054 marked the beginning of the fall. Other factors include:
i. Political instability: This was created by system of succession which was based on
matrilineal. The king successor must be his sister’s son. Where the king has many sister it
becomes difficult to determine who becomes the next king
ii. Social and cultural heterogeneity of the empire: the empire was made up of people of
different languages and culture (the SUSU, the TEKRUR, and the MANDE To the south
and the AUDOGHAST to the North) who were struggling for independence. This coupled
with the Almoravids attack in 1076 under their leader, ABU BEKIR led to the fall of the
empire
iii. Decline in trade and agriculture as a result of frequent wars
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iv. Invasion:
 In 1203, Kumbi Saleh was attacked and conquered by Sumanguru, the Susu king
of Kaniaga.
 Also in 1235, Sumanguru’s tyrannical rule was also brought to an end when it was
defeated by Sundiata the ruler of Kangaba.
 Sundiata merged the reminant of Ghana with Kangaba to become Mali Empire.

THE MALI EMPIRE

 Mali Empire originated from Malinke Kingdom called Kangaba.

 The kingdom evolved the unification of small villages known as Dugu and ruled by dugutigi

 The unification was led by a Chief of Keira clan who established the Keita dynasty of Kangaba.

 Sundiata completed the unification by defeating Sumanguru of Ghana and merged with Kangaba to become
Mali Empire.

 Sundiata became the first ruler and move the capital of Mali Empire from Jeriba to Miami

THE RULER OF MALI EMPIRE

1. SUNDIATA
 He was the founder and first ruler of Mali Empire
 He founder Mali after regaining Malinke Kingdom of Kangaba from the Susu
 He transfered the capital from Jeriba to Niani
 He divided the Empire into provinces
 He controlled Gold producing area of Wangara, Bambuk and Bondu. And also the copper producing area
of Takedda and salt mines of Taghaza.
 He encouraged agriculture to become one of the mainstay of the economy
 He died in 1255

2. MANSA KANKAN MUSA:

 He was the greatest ruler of the empire

 He was the grandson of Mansa Abu Bekir and came to power in 1312
 He annexed neighbouring states, Gap, Timbuktu and Jenne
 Mali under Mansa Musa had two levels of political structure namely, the central and provincial
 He controlled Trans-Saharan Trade route to Sijilmasa, Morocco and Egypt
 He established schools and Islamic learning centers.
 He encouraged pilgrimage to Mecca and embarked on a famous one in 1324-1326

3. MANSA MAGHAN
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 He was Mansa Musa's son and his immediate successor who ruled between 1337- 1341
 His reign was remembered as the period when the defensive walls of the empire began to crack and some
conquered territories like Gao and Timbuktu began to regain their independence.

4. MANSA SULAYMAN

 He was a brother to Mansa Musa who reigned between 1341-1359

 He was the last great ruler of Mali. However, Mali got to its peak of greatness under Mansa Musa and
Sulayman.

FACTORS THAT LES TO THE RISE OF MALI EMPIRE

1. The geographical location in the center of Savannah lands favour agriculture
2. Control of Trans-Saharan trade routes
3. Able rulers in the likes of Sundiata, Mansa Musa and Mansa Sulayman
4. Monopoly of gold trade especially as the gold producing regions of Wangara, Bambuk and Bure were
brought under the empire
5. Islamic religion
6. Diplomatic relations with North African states like Morocco and Egypt favoured her external trade
7. The polical structure
8. A formidable standing army

FACTORS THAT LED TO THE FALL OF MALI EMPIRE

1. Incompetent rulers e.g Mansa Maghan
2. Succession disputes. The period after Mansa Sulayman was characterized with civil wars and
frequent changes of kings
3. The weakness of Central administration made it possible for many vassal states to revolt and regain
independence. Eg. Gao, the Songhai kingdom.
4. Vastness of the empire
5. The army became weak as a result of incessant civil wars
6. There was decline in trade
7. External attack. The Tuaregs of the desert attacked and captured Walata and Timbuktu in 1433. The
Tukulor and Woloff from the west attacked the empire and regain their independence.
8. The disintegration continued until 1468 when Songhai under Sonny Ali started capturing different
parts of the empire and by 1670, Mali Empire disappeared from the map of the time.

THE SONGHAI EMPIRE

 Songhai Empire was the greatest of the old Sudanese Empires. It grew up from a small area called Dendi,
which had become a kingdom by the seventh century with it capital at Kukia.
 Berbers from North Africa imposed their authority on Songhai and established the Za dynasty
 King Za Kosoi moved the capital of Songhai from Kukai to Gao and became the first Songhai’s first
muslim ruler.
 Gao became part of Mali Empire when Mansa Musa captured it. During this period, two Songhai princes,
Ali Kolon and Suliaman Nar were taken to Mali as hostages but later escaped to Songhai in 1275
 Ali Kolon overthrew the Za dynasty to found the Sunni dynasty and establish Songhai kingdom
independent of Mali Empire. He reigned as Sunni Ali I
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THE GREATEST RULERS OF SONGHAI EMPIRE

The two most important rulers of Songhai Empire were Sunni Ali II and Askia Muhammad the Great.

SUNNI ALI II – 1464 – 1492

 He changed Songhai from a small kingdom to a formidable Empire

 He attacked and captured Timbuktu in 1468, Jenne in 1477 and other small states and annexed
them into the Empire
 For effective administration, he divided the Empire into provinces and appointed governors to
administer them

ASKIA MUHAMMAD THE GREAT – 1493 – 1529

 He became the ruler of the Empire after overthrowing Sunni Baru who succeeded his father,
Sunni Ali II in 1492
 He founded the Askia dynasty and became known as Askia Muhammad (Askia the Great)
instead of Muhammad Towri
 He expanded the Empire through conquest and treaties. He attacked the Fulani of Futa Toro and
Tekrur in Senegambia. He also attacked Hausa land. From Hausa land to Tuareg settlement of
Takedala and Agades
 Administratively, he divided the Empire into four regions called provinces, Kurmina, Baro or
Bala, Bangu and Dendi. Each of the province was under a viceroy or governor
 The head of the cental government was the Emperor based in Gao. He was assisted by number of
ministers:
i. Katisi-farma: Minister of Finance
ii. Asari – Mundya: Minister of Justice
iii. Balama: Minister of Defense
iv. Hi-Koy: Minister of Navy
v. Sao – Farma: Minister of Forestry
vi. Har – Farma: Minister of property matters
 He promoted Islamic religion and education. He also made pilgrimage to Mecca between 1495
and 1497.
 Islamic centers of learning like Timbuktu, Gao and Jenne were equip with Islamic scholars
 The judicial system was based on Quranic law and Muslim Judges called Kadis were created to
interpret the law and administer justice. All judges were under Chief Justice KNOWN AS
Barey – Koi. He lived in Gao and he is incharge of Imperial Court

FACTORS THAT LED TO THE RISE OF SONGHAI EMPIRE

i. The geographical location in the savannah region of fertile are helped in the development of
agriculture
ii. The commercial centers of Gao, Timbuktu and Jenne brought immense wealth to the Empire
especially during the Trans-Saharan trade
iii. Quality of rulers as seen in Sonni Ali II and Askia Muhammad the Great
iv. Formidable standing army
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FACTORS THAT LED TO THE FALL OF SONGHAI EMPIRE

a. Succession Disputes: Following the death of Askia Muhammad I in 1582, the struggle for the
throne saw the emergence of three rulers within 9 years 1582- 1591). They are Askia Mohammed
II (1582 – 1586), Askia Mohammed Bami (1586 -1588) and Askia Ishaq II (1588 – 1591)

b. Weakness of the rulers: With the exception of Askia Daud, all other Askia after Askia
Muhammad I were weak

c. Weak army. With the empire in disarray, the army was weakened and could not defend the
empire any longer

d. The vastness of the empire beyond the administrative capacity of the central government

e. Religious conflict between the Muslim and non-Muslim weakened the unity among the people.

f. Moroccan invasion of the empire in 1591 during the reign of Askia Ishaq II brought about the
total collapse of the Songhai Empire.