Northern Nigeria (Hausa Kingdoms, Kanem-Bornu, and Others)

Nigeria has a rich and diverse history, with various ancient kingdoms, empires, and city-states flourishing across its regions before European colonization. Here’s an overview of Nigeria’s pre-colonial history, divided by major regions:

1. Northern Nigeria (Hausa Kingdoms, Kanem-Bornu, and Others)

• Hausa Kingdoms (7th–19th century):
  The Hausa people established seven major city-states (Hausa Bakwai): Daura, Kano, Katsina, Zaria, Gobir, Rano, and Biram. These states were centers of trade, Islamic scholarship, and governance.

  • Kano became a major commercial hub under Sarki Muhammad Rumfa (15th century).

  • Zaria (Zazzau) was ruled by Queen Amina in the 16th century, known for her military conquests.

• Kanem-Bornu Empire (9th–19th century):

  • Originated around Lake Chad, the Kanem Empire later shifted to Bornu.

  • Under Mai Idris Alooma (16th century), it became a powerful Islamic state with strong military and trade networks (trans-Saharan trade).

• Sokoto Caliphate (1804–1903):

  • Founded by Usman dan Fodio after a jihad against Hausa rulers.

  • Became one of Africa’s largest pre-colonial states, governed by Islamic law.

2. Southwestern Nigeria (Yoruba Kingdoms)

• Ife Kingdom (11th–15th century):

  • Regarded as the spiritual homeland of the Yoruba people.

  • Famous for its terracotta and bronze sculptures (Ife art).

• Oyo Empire (14th–19th century):

  • One of the most powerful Yoruba states, known for its cavalry and political system (Alaafin as king).

  • Controlled trade routes to the coast and engaged in the slave trade.

  • Declined due to internal strife and Fulani invasions.

• Benin Kingdom (11th–19th century):

  • Although Edo-speaking, Benin had strong ties with Yoruba states.

  • Famous for its bronze plaques, ivory carvings, and walled city.

  • Ruled by the Oba (king), with significant influence over trade with Europeans.

3. Southeastern Nigeria (Igbo and Other Societies)

• Nri Kingdom (10th–20th century):

  • A spiritual and political center for the Igbo people.

  • The Eze Nri was a religious leader who spread cultural practices like the Iguaro (yam title) system.

• Aro Confederacy (17th–19th century):

  • Dominated the slave trade through the Arochukwu oracle (Long Juju).

  • Controlled trade routes between the coast and hinterlands.

• City-States (Onitsha, Aboh, etc.):

  • Independent communities with republican systems (no centralized kingship).

  • Trade with Europeans (especially palm oil in the 19th century).

4. Niger Delta & Coastal Regions (City-States and Trade Hubs)

• Kalabari, Bonny, and Opobo:

  • Controlled trade with Europeans (slaves, later palm oil).

  • Ruled by wealthy merchant kings like Jaja of Opobo.

• Efik Kingdom (Calabar):

  • Major center for the slave trade and later missionary activities.

5. Middle Belt (Diverse Ethnic Groups)

• Jukun, Nupe, and Tiv:

  • The Jukun (Kwararafa) had a powerful kingdom that rivaled Hausaland.

  • The Nupe Kingdom was influenced by Islamic culture and engaged in wars with Oyo.

European Contact & Decline of Kingdoms (15th–19th Century)

• Portuguese (1472): First Europeans to reach Nigeria (Benin, Warri).

• Slave Trade (16th–19th century): Coastal kingdoms grew wealthy but suffered from warfare.

• British Colonization (19th century): The fall of the Sokoto Caliphate and Benin in 1897 marked the end of most independent kingdoms.

Conclusion

Nigeria’s pre-colonial history was shaped by powerful empires, trade networks (trans-Saharan and Atlantic), and diverse political systems (monarchies, city-states, and republics). The British later merged these distinct regions into one colony in 1914, forming modern Nigeria.