The Evolution Of The State Systems Among The Gbagyi Of River Kaduna Valley C.L860 To L981

ABSTRACT

This study is primarily concerned with historical developments that cover a

period of over three hundred years, with the purpose of establishing the evolution

of a state system among the Gbagyi that inhabit an area referred to as the River

Kaduna valley.

It was however, not in doubt that the Gbagyi settlements along the River

Kaduna never at the earliest times succeeded in forming large centralized political

settlements. They were confederate states, or what is popularly referred to as semiautonomous

states, each with a different historical background before the 191h

century.

The study attempts to underscore this point, by undertaking an in-depth

discussion and analysis of how these states gradually transformed into a centralized

polity over the years. To this end, oral and archival materials were put to play

through an analytical approach, in establishing the historical process leading to the

establishment of a centralized polity among the people. The study has revealed that

internal crises within the polity over the years brought about significant

transformations in the structures of individual lineages and states, leading to the

present political arrangement referred to as Minna Emirate.

The Thesis, therefore, is divided into eight chapters. This is in order to

provide a clear perspective on each stage of development, in the evolution of the

state system.

Chapter one contains the introduction, aims and objectives of the research.

This was necessary to shed light on why the study was carried out in the first place.

Similarly, limitations and the methodology used in the research were highlighted

including, of course, the reviews of existing literature. The chapter also contains

the description of the physical features of the area and how these have contributed

to human habitation. Attempts were also made to identify the peoples that have

inhabited the region over the years. In this regard, current scientific research into

linguistic and archaeological evidence were explored to establish the source of

migration of the people to the present location they occupy in the region. This is

followed by a discourse on the socio-economic system of the people. The study

was able to establish that, in spite of the varied nature of the people, land tenure

system and organisation of labour were more or less the same. These variables

were vehicles for social mobilization. Attempts were also made to identify the ten

principal states that emerged in the region before the 1 9th century. Discussions

were centred on how the states were established by the founders of the dynasties

and how they inter -related with one another before the 19th century, in spite of their

semi-autonomous nature.

Chapter two focuses on the outbreak of the 19th century Sokoto Jihad

activities in the region. Here, attention is given to the nature, course and reaction

of each of the polities towards the Jihad. In the first instance, attempts were made

to show how each of the Fulani powers from Wushishi, Kontagora, Bida, Lapai

and Zaria made incursions into the area and their impacts on the state systems in

the region.

The third chapter exammes European activities m the 19th century,

penetration, conquest and their impact on the State System. The chapter sheds light

on European explorers and the activities of European trading companies. It went

further to demonstrate how each of the individual polities were conquered by the

British colonial administration at the beginning of the 20th century and the

reactions that followed. Thereafter, attempts were made to analyse the disruption

and distortion of the existing state system by the British colonial administration.

And by the 1930s, we saw how the British policy suddenly changed from hitherto,

placing the region under Fulani rule, to the creation of an autonomous centralised

authority ofF ederated administration.

Chapter four gives an in-depth discussion on how the newly established

federation was administered and its collapse after almost twenty years of existence.

Sequel to the collapse of the federated administration, a more centralised single

authority, Chief of Minna, was appointed in its place by the British colonial

administration. The appointment marked the beginning of a single recognised

ruler governing over the entire region. Similarly, attempts were made to discuss

patiisan politics of the region in the wake of preparations towards political

independence of the country.

Chapter five focuses on post-colonial developments; how the Chiefs

position was further strengthened by the post colonial regional governments. This

situation persisted till 1 98 1 , when the position of Chief was finally upgraded to

that of an Emir, by the second civilian administration i n Niger State. Chapter six

contains conclusions on some of the findings made during the research. The last

section of the thesis contains notes on sources, Bibliography, Theses and

dissertations consulted.