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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The Alkali Court in Ilorin Emirate during Colonial Rule
Author:Danmole, H.O.ISNI
Year:1989
Periodical:Transafrican Journal of History
Volume:18
Pages:173-186
Language:English
Geographic term:Nigeria
Subjects:indirect rule
customary law
Ilorin polity
Islamic law
colonialism
History and Exploration
Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
Law, Human Rights and Violence
External link:https://www.jstor.org/stable/24328711
Abstract:The 'Alkali' court was the judicial arm of the emirate administration in Ilorin (Nigeria). 'Alkali' courts were expected to dispense justice according to Muslim law. The first Emir of Ilorin, Abd al Salam (1823-1836), created the office of 'Alkali' (or 'qadi'), but there was no 'Alkali' court house in Ilorin. It was not until the imposition of colonial rule (from 1897 onward) that the British established 'Alkali' courts with a view to facilitating the administration of justice and reducing its cost. The colonial authorities used these courts to consolidate their position particularly in northern Nigeria. In doing so, however, they aided the spread of Muslim courts even into areas where the majority of the population was not Muslim. Throughout the period of colonial rule, sustained efforts were made by the administration to improve the courts in terms of procedure and personnel training. The author concludes with a note on instances of removal of an 'Alkali' from office, and on the impact of the system on the traditional precolonial pattern of justice in Ilorin. The development and importance of the 'Alkali' court as a dependable arm of the judiciary during the imposition of colonial rule led to the establishment of 'sharia' courts which served as appellate courts to the 'Alkali' courts in Northern Nigeria. Notes, ref.
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