GST 201 Nigerian Peoples and Culture

This set of 500 flashcards covers key concepts, terms, and facts from GST 201 Nigerian Peoples and Culture notes across modules 1-5, including Southern and Northern Nigeria ethnography, cultural areas (Niger Delta, Rain Forest, Guinea Savanna, Sudan Savanna), education, economy, religion, citizenship, and social justice.

Who are the three major ethnic groups discussed in Unit 1 of Module 1 (Southern Nigeria) pre-colonial times?

The Yoruba, the Bini (Benin), and the Igbo.

Where did the Yoruba trace their origins according to Rev. Samuel Johnson’s version?

From the East, i.e., Northeastern Africa, eventually settling at Ile-Ife.

Who is believed to have led the Yoruba to Ile-Ife in Johnson’s account?

Oduduwa.

What is the Alaafin in Yoruba political organization?

The Alaafin is the head of the Yoruba empire, a ruler in Yorubaland.

What is the Oyomesi?

A council of seven kingmakers who regulate the Alaafin’s powers.

What is the role of the Ogboni in Yoruba governance?

A powerful counter-power or mediatory cult that settles conflicts between the Oyomesi and the Alaafin.

Who was the military commander in Yoruba governance?

Are-Ona-Kankanfo.

In Benin, what is the head of state called?

The Oba.

How is Benin society classed in the pre-colonial period?

Into nobility (Adesotu) and commoners (Ighiotu).

Name the three noble groups in Benin’s society.

Uzama, Eghaevbo n’ Ogbe, and Eghaevbo n’ ore.

When did Benin exchange ambassadors with the Portuguese?

Between 1481 and 1504.

What is the origin of the Benin dynasty according to Igbafe’s version?

It begins with a myth that Oranmiyan, a son of Oduduwa, established the monarchy after returning from Ife.

What is the first Oba of Benin commonly identified as in popular versions?

Eweka I.

Which area is Ile-Ife traditionally linked with in Yoruba origin stories?

Ile-Ife is considered the cradle of Yoruba civilization and origin.

What is the Igbo political system described as in the notes?

Acephalous or segmentary with no centralized state; direct democracy at village level.

What is Amala Oha?

A form of general assembly in traditional Igbo society where male adults meet to make decisions.

What is the Ofo?

The staff of authority symbolizing justice and authority in Igbo culture.

How many Igbo sub-cultures are mentioned, and name them broadly?

Five: Eastern Igbo, South-Eastern Igbo, North-Eastern Igbo, Western Igbo, and Northern Igbo.

What is the Yoruba term for the local town leadership in Yorubaland?

Baale.

What characterizes Igbo society’s approach to power and leadership?

Decentralized, no single centralized ruler; governance through villages and age-sets.

Who is Igwe in Igbo and Benin context?

Igwe is a title used for kings in some groups; in Igbo areas there is no universal king, but some groups have chiefs or leaders.

Where did the Itsekiri originate according to Unit 2?

Itsekiri trace origin to Benin; Iginuwa, son of Oba Olua of Benin, established Itsekiri.

What is the capital of the Itsekiri Kingdom?

Ode Itsekiri.

Who rules the Itsekiri Kingdom?

The Olu.

What is the Itsekiri’s council name and composition?

Ojoye, a council of seven nobles or title-holders.

What region are the Itsekiri, Urhobo and Ijaw located in?

The Niger Delta region.

What is the Urhobo ruler called?

The Ovie.

Which variant origin is mentioned for Urhobo origins?

Variants include Ughelli/Aghara/Ogo and Uwherun/Abraka/Agbon/Oogun/Olomu.

Which three groups are the major ethnic groups in the Niger Delta region?

Itsekiri, Urhobo, Ijaw.

Name one key trait of Ijaw political organization.

Traditionally non-centralized; the Ijaw used the House System in many communities.

List some major Ijaw states.

Bonny, Kalabari, Ibrika, Opobo, Brass-Nembe.

What is the Niger Delta religion emphasis?

Belief in a Supreme God with many water deities like Olokun and mami water; belief in witchcraft in some areas.

What are common Niger Delta crafts and skills?

Canoe making, salt production, ceramics, oil palm processing.

What are the Niger Delta kings’ main feature in governance?

Most communities emphasize village-level, democratic-republican structures; Itsekiri exception with a kingdom.

Which two broad socio-political patterns exist in the Rain Forest region?

Village democracies and monarchical states.

Which region is associated with village democracy in the Rain Forest area?

Igbo areas and some eastern communities.

What is the Yoruba town leadership structure?

Town leadership is hereditary; Baale is town head; Oba is the crowned king.

What are the three judicial levels in Yoruba governance?

Oba’s court, Ijoye, and Baale courts.

What are two broad political patterns in the Rain Forest region?

Village democracy (Igbo) and Monarchical (Yoruba, Benin).

What is the major economic belt in the Guinea Savanna’s Tiv, Nupe, and others?

The West African yam belt.

What is the main occupation in the Guinea Savanna region?

Farming; important crops include guinea corn, yam, millet, and maize.

What is the Etsu Nupe?

The head of the Nupe Kingdom.

Name the two-level administration in Nupe political structure."

Central and provincial administration, with a nobility class.

Who are the Ebira, Idoma, Tiv, and Gwari in the Guinea Savanna context?

Among the groups that formalized monarchies or royal highnesses in the Guinea Savanna.

What three major groups in Northern Nigeria are focused on in Unit 3 Part I?

The Hausa, the Kanem-Bornu, and the Nupe.

What is the Bayajida legend about?

Bayajida is said to have founded the Hausa states; he came from Baghdad and married the queen of Daura.

Which are the seven original Hausa states?

Daura, Kano, Zaria (Zazzau), Kakaina, Rano, Biram, Gobir.

What is the Sarki’s role in Hausa states?

Head of the state; combines political and religious functions.

What new offices emerged in Hausa states after Islamization?

Galadima, Madawaki, Magaji, Dogari, Yari Sarki, and Qadi (judges/Alkali).

What is the Kanem-Bornu language?

Kanuri.

Who is the Mai in Kanem-Bornu?

The king (Emperor) of the Kanem-Bornu state.

What is the Nokena in Kanem-Bornu?

The Council of the Twelve, an imperial state council.

Who was the Maini Kanendi?

The chief judge of the Kanem-Bornu state.

What is the Kanem-Bornu army organized into?

Two divisions: a home division and a bush garrison.

Who heads the Nupe state’s nobility?

The Shaba, Kpotuh, and Maku.

Where was Nupe’s capital?

Gbara.

Who is considered the founder of Nupe state in some traditions?

Tsoede (also spelled Tsode/Etsoede) and his lineage.

What is the Igala origin label Ayagba/Idoko associated with?

Ancestor Ayagba/Idoko is considered the founder of Igala territory and dynasty.

What is the Jukun’s Aku Uka in Jukun governance?

The Aku Uka, the sacrally appointed ruler, head of state in Jukun theocracy.

Which region is home to the Tiv according to Bohannan?

In the central Nigeria middle Benue basin.

What is Tsombor in Tiv political organization?

The family group—the largest recognized unit.

What is Mbavessen in Tiv society?

Elder, head of a unit.

What does the Tiv system emphasize in kinship?

A strong genealogical framework with hierarchical, segmented society.

What is the purpose of the Amago/Alaafin?

Not applicable (Alaafin refers to the Yoruba ruler; Amago is not listed; skip).

What was the purpose of the 1906 May Amalgamation?

To unify Lagos and Southern Nigeria protectorates economically for administrative funding.

What did the 1914 January Amalgamation accomplish?

Merged Northern and Southern Nigeria into a single colony-protectorate under a common political head, Lugard.

What is the central criticism of the Amalgamation according to Hatch (1970)?

Amalgamation raised unresolved questions about unity, governance, and the central objective of British policy.

Name one major nationalist organization in Nigeria’s push for independence.

Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM).

What constitution established a federal system in Nigeria?

The Lyttleton Constitution of 1954.

When did Nigeria gain independence?

1 October 1960.

What are two major pre-independence political parties mentioned?

Action Group (AG) and Northern People’s Congress (NPC).

What is the term ‘Nigerian nationalism’ often associated with in this course?

Movements and organizations seeking self-government and reforms from colonial rule.

What are the two dominant religious traditions in pre-colonial Nigeria emphasized in Module 3?

Christianity and Islam (introduced before independence but existed alongside traditional beliefs).

What is a key feature of the Maitatsine riots?

A violent confrontation between a radical Islamic sect and the state around 1980 in Kano.

What is Abuja commonly described as in the religious context?

A “Home for All,” symbolizing national unity, though contested for religious symbolism.

What does the term Jus Sanguinis refer to?

Citizenship by birth through descent.

What does Jus Soli refer to?

Citizenship by soil—birth within a territory confers citizenship.

What is naturalization in citizenship terms?

Legal process to acquire citizenship, including direct naturalization, derivative, or collective naturalization.

Name two categories of national rights described as civil liberties.

Political rights (like voting) and civil rights (life, liberty, free movement, etc.).

What is a fundamental obligation of a citizen?

To pay taxes and obey the laws of the State.

What is the central idea of social justice in Nigeria’s context?

The fair distribution of resources, rights, and opportunities, addressing inequalities and upholding human rights.

Which region is described as having a “royal” or monarchic political pattern most strongly?

The Sudan Savanna (with Hausa kingdoms and emirates), and the Niger Delta’s Itsekiri as an exception.

What is the general implication of the phrase ‘patron-client network’ in Hausaland?

A hierarchical system where many dependents attach to a central patron who provides protection and opportunities.

Which two major cultural areas in Nigeria are noted for having a ‘monarchy’ pattern?

Yoruba in the Rain Forest region and some groups in the Guinea Savanna.

Who are the notable water deity figures in the Niger Delta (Orisa names)?

Olokun (mami water) among others; the Delta region has numerous water deities.

What is a common characteristic of pre-colonial Igala’s political structure?

Two-level administration: central Attah and provincial councils; tradition of a council of chiefs.

What is the key difference between Igbo and Yoruba political systems in traditional contexts?

Igbo: acephalous, village-based assemblies; Yoruba: monarchic towns and centralized kings.

Which river basins influence the Niger Delta’s economic life?

Niger and its tributaries, including coastlines and creeks.

What region is described as the most religiously tolerant in Nigeria?

The Guinea Savanna region, with a balance between Islam and Christianity.

What artifact class is often associated with Ife and Benin in the Rain Forest?

Terracotta figurines and bronze works; importance of iron and terra cotta in art.

Which Yoruba institution is known for mediating conflicts between executive and monarchic power?

Ogboni (the influential secret society).

What is the significance of Eweka I in Benin history?

Regarded as the first Oba of Benin; the Eweka dynasty established.

What does the term ‘Gbere’ refer to in Yoruba governance?

(Not applicable to content; skip)

Which Hausa term describes the head of the land in a Hausa state?

Sarkin Kasar.

Name two Islam-influenced offices that emerged in Hausa states due to Islamization.

Galadima and Madawaki.

What is the central role of the Bayajida tradition in Hausa origins?

Explains the origin of the seven Hausa states (Bokonwai, Bokwoi).

Who is Avivero/Alfonso de Aviero in Hausa history context?

A historical figure connected to Benin and northern Nigeria’s contact with Portugal; part of early European contact.

Which Niger Delta changes did the colonial era bring to governance patterns?

Introduction of centralized colonial administration and later formalized through amalgamations.

What is the primary occupation of most Niger Delta groups historically?

Fishing, with some associated trades like salt production and craftwork.

What is the role of the Odu Ife legend in Yoruba origin?

Oduduwa is often cited as founder and progenitor of Yoruba kingdoms.