Nigerian Peoples, Culture & Governance – Key Vocabulary

Hausa Bakwai

The original seven Hausa city-states: Biram, Kano, Zazzau, Gobir, Katsina, Rano and Daura.

Banza Bokwai

The ‘illegitimate’ seven Hausa states that emerged later: Kebbi, Zamfara, Nupe, Gwari, Yauri, Ilorin and Kwararafa.

Bayajida (Abu Yazid)

Legendary prince from Baghdad credited with founding the Hausa states after killing the Daura snake.

Sokoto Jihad (1804-1808)

Islamic holy war led by Usman dan Fodio that overthrew Hausa rulers and created the Sokoto Caliphate.

Fulani Bororo

Nomadic, cattle-rearing branch of the Fulani people.

Fulani Gida

Town-dwelling Fulani engaged in trade and urban crafts.

Pulaaku

Fulani ethical code emphasising modesty, courage, patience and cattle ownership.

Saifawa Dynasty

Royal line said to originate from the Arab hero Saif bin Dhi Yazan, rulers of Kanem-Bornu.

Kisra Legend

Kanuri origin tradition claiming descent from a prince who fled the destruction of Meroe.

Tsoede (Edegi)

Nupe hero who unified Nupeland and became the first Etsu Nupe in the 16th century.

Oduduwa

Mythical progenitor of the Yoruba people and first ruler of Ile-Ife.

Lamurudu

Figure in some Yoruba myths, identified with Nimrod, regarded as father of Oduduwa.

Oranmiyan

Son of Oduduwa credited with founding Oyo and the Benin monarchy line.

Isi-Ago

Traditional Igbo tunic with lion-head motif, now ceremonial male attire.

Eweka I

Son of Oranmiyan, regarded as the first Oba of Benin Kingdom.

Magira

Title for the mother of the Kanem-Bornu king (Mai); a powerful court figure.

Oyomesi

Council of seven king-makers in Oyo that checked the powers of the Alaafin.

Ogboni

Yoruba secret society/cult that mediated between Alaafin and Oyomesi and upheld justice.

Alaafin

Supreme ruler of the Oyo Empire, literally ‘owner of the palace’.

Are-Ona-Kakanfo

Commander-in-chief of Oyo’s army, obliged to live outside the capital.

Mai

Title of the king in Kanem-Bornu Empire.

Nokena

Council of twelve advisers to the Mai in Kanem-Bornu.

Maini Kanendi

Chief judge and legal adviser in Kanem-Bornu political system.

Etsu Nupe

Paramount ruler of the Nupe Kingdom.

Zitzu

Village head appointed by the Etsu Nupe and aided by elders.

Indirect Rule

British colonial policy of governing through existing traditional rulers.

Amalgamation (1914)

British union of Northern and Southern Protectorates into the Colony & Protectorate of Nigeria.

Operation Feed the Nation

1976-79 Nigerian agricultural programme under General Obasanjo.

Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP)

1986 economic reform package of General Babangida emphasising deregulation and diversification.

Aso-Oke

Hand-woven Yoruba cloth; main types are Sanyan, Etu and Alaari.

Sanyan

Light-brown Aso-Oke traditionally woven from wild silk.

Etu

Dark indigo-blue variant of Aso-Oke cloth.

Alaari

Rich red Aso-Oke fabric.

Kembe

Yoruba men’s wide-leg trousers often paired with Dansiki.

Dansiki

Short-sleeved Yoruba tunic worn by men with Kembe trousers.

Gele

Women’s Yoruba head-tie, often matched with Aso-Oke wrapper.

Isi Owu

Igbo threaded hairstyle created by winding thread around hair.

Kwalli (Tiro)

Traditional Hausa antimony used to darken eyelids.

Henna (Lalle)

Plant-based dye used in Northern Nigeria for body decoration.

Tribal Marks

Scarification patterns on the face or body for identification and beauty, especially among Yoruba.

Nok Culture

Ancient Nigerian civilisation (c. 500 BC-200 AD) known for terracotta figurines.

Ife Bronzes

Naturalistic brass & bronze heads produced in Ile-Ife around the 12-15th centuries.

Benin Bronzes

Brass/bronze plaques and sculptures made for Benin royal court from 13th century onward.

Igbo-Ukwu Art

9th-century sophisticated bronze and bead works uncovered in southeastern Nigeria.

Akwete Cloth

Hand-woven wide-loom textile produced by Igbo women of Akwete, Abia State.

Tie-Dye (Adire)

Yoruba resist-dye textile technique producing patterned indigo fabrics.

Argungu Fishing Festival

Annual four-day fishing and cultural event held in Kebbi State since 1934.

Osun-Osogbo Festival

Annual August celebration honouring Yoruba river goddess Osun at Osogbo Sacred Grove.

Eyo Festival

Lagos masquerade procession (Adamu Orisha) featuring white-robed Eyo masqueraders with opambata staffs.

Ojude Oba

Ijebu-Ode festival held two days after Eid-el-Kabir to honour the Awujale king.

Durbar

Northern Nigerian horse-parade festival marking Muslim Eid celebrations.

New Yam Festival

Igbo harvest celebration marking the start of a new agricultural cycle.

Ikeji Arondizuogu

Four-day Igbo cultural festival in Imo State featuring masquerades and bravery contests.

Kallon Kuwa

Post-harvest youth festival in Hausa communities celebrating prosperity and courtship.

Rule of Law

Principle that all persons and authorities are subject to and accountable under the law.

Supremacy of the Constitution

Section 1 of 1999 Constitution: any law inconsistent with the Constitution is void.

Separation of Powers

Division of governmental authority into legislative, executive and judicial branches.

Exclusive Legislative List

Subjects on which only Nigeria’s National Assembly may legislate.

Concurrent Legislative List

Areas where both federal and state assemblies can make laws.

Residual Powers