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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | Religion and politics in colonial northern Nigeria: the case of Ilorin emirate |
Author: | Danmole, H.O. |
Year: | 1989 |
Periodical: | Orita: Ibadan Journal of Religious Studies |
Volume: | 21 |
Issue: | 2 |
Pages: | 78-92 |
Language: | English |
Geographic terms: | Nigeria Northern Nigeria Great Britain |
Subjects: | missions Islam colonialism indirect rule |
Abstract: | When the British interfered in the politics of the emirates of northern Nigeria at the end of the 19th century, Islam gave the emirs and the people a sense of unity through which they resisted the British. Being anxious to settle for peace, the British colonial administration in Ilorin emirate adopted the 'Lugardian style' of Indirect Rule, using Muslim political institutions in the administration. This policy helped to foster the cause of Islam. It strictly followed not only the policy of non-interference in religion but also adopted measures which prevented the spread of Christian mission stations such as church buildings or schools inside the main core of Ilorin town, although missionary enterprise did receive a boost in the non-Islamized Ibolo, Igbomina and Ekiti parts of the emirate. However, the continued use of Islamic political values, most especially the use of Muslim law, led to the expression of fear of Muslim domination by Christians. The development of party politics after the Second World War reduced the incidence of religion in politics, the parties, as well as the elected government of northern Nigeria, not being in favour of any one religion at the expense of the other. Notes, ref. |