Did Pre-Colonial Nigeria Have Indigenous Political Order and Traditional Sovereignty?

This post argues that Nigeria had established systems of political order before colonisation. It points to the spread of Yoruboid, Igboid, Edoid, Ijoid, Nupoid and other language groups across different regions as evidence of long-standing indigenous identities and territories. It also argues that Yoruba-speaking communities were historically made up of distinct self-governing nations, including Ijesa, Ife, Ibadan, Ijebu, Ilaje and Ilorin. According to the post, these communities maintained their own authority structures while sometimes coming under wider political influence, such as that of Oyo or Ibadan. The post concludes that present-day communities should recognise traditional sovereignty because colonial authorities entered protection agreements with traditional rulers. It suggests that traditional councils could play a role in decisions affecting their territories, alongside referendums.

Use The App To Win ₦1m

Stories are shared by community members. This article does not represent the official view of NaijaWorld — the author is solely responsible for its content.