Pre-Colonial History

Embark on a fascinating exploration of Nigeria’s pre-colonial history through OldNaija. Uncover the rich tapestry of ancient civilizations, cultural diversity, and the legacy of pre-colonial Nigeria. Join us as we delve into the historical narratives, traditions, and the foundations of a nation’s heritage before the arrival of colonial powers.

Story of Arhuanran, the Giant Benin Prince Who Could Uproot Trees With Bare Hands
Prince Idubor, also known as Arhuanran (sometimes spelt Aruanran), would have been the Oba (King) of Benin as at the…
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Islam in West Africa: Introduction, spread and effects
Africa was the first continent that Islam spread into out of Arabia in the early seventh century. Almost one-third of…
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Igbo Pre-Colonial Political System/Administration
The Igbo pre-colonial political system/administration was described by scholars as acephalous, a term which means leaderless, headless or chiefless. This…
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Hausa/Fulani Pre-colonial Political Administration
Fulani took over the political leadership of Hausa states in the early 19th century. After the great Jihad war (1804-1810)…
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History of Emotan – The Market Woman Who Saved A Benin King From Being Murdered
Who was Emotan of Benin? Emotan was born between 1380 and 1400; she hailed from Eyaen village, close to the…
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The Origin and Meaning of Kanuri
Kanuri is a dialect continuum spoken by some four million people, as of 1987, mainly in North-Eastern Nigeria, Western Niger,…
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The True and Sad Story of How Afonja Lost Ilorin and Its Kingship to Fulani People
Pencil Guess Drawing of Are-Ona-Kakanfo Afonja The Yoruba and Fulani inhabitants of Ilorin, the present capital of Kwara State, Nigeria,…
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The History of Ila-Orangun and its People
Ila-Orangun lies about 65km northeast of Ile-Ife and 90km southeast of Ilorin on the southern edge of the savannah. It…
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Pre-Colonial Political Administration of the Benin Empire
The Edos of Benin inhabit the southwestern part of modern-day Nigeria and are close neighbours of the Yorubas with whom…
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Pre-colonial Political Administration In Yoruba land
The pre-colonial political administration in Yoruba land is one of the most popular among the pre-colonial systems or administrations in…
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