In our first and second episode of the history of Northern Nigerian, we discussed about the Hausa/Fulani and the Kanem-Bornu ethnic groups respectively - we also looked at their cultural heritage in the pre-colonial era. Obviously, these are not the only ethnic groups in Northern part of Nigeria. Here, we will look at another ethnic group; the Nupe; their cultural and socio-political organization in the ancient time.

Nupe Ethnic Group

Even though the Nupe ethnic group is seen as minority in the Northern part of Nigeria, their impact and achievements in Nigerian history and in the black continent of Africa is something that is worthy to be mentioned. Nupe is among the few ethnic groups that have been said to have historic affiliations and links with both Kanem-Bornu and the Hausa/Fulani tribes. During the pre-colonial times, Nupe ethnic group was not only found in the Northern part of Nigeria, even the Middle-belt of Nigeria was home to Nupe people.

It might interest you to know that even the Yorubas (in the South-western Nigeria) have historic affiliation with Nupe. If you can remember when we talked about the Yoruba history, we mentioned that Oranmiyan (one of the sons of Oduduwa) founded the old Oyo (which was the capital of Yoruba land). Oranmiyan was believed to have gotten married to one of the daughters (Elempe) of one of the most powerful kings of Nupe. The son of Oranmiyan and Elempe later became the king of the old Oyo empire. This is to let you know that Nupe and Yoruba shared a common ancestry.

The predominant religion in Nupe is Islamic religion, though by origin, they were majorly traditionalists. The same Jihad (Holy war) that was led by Usman Dan Fodio which led to the Islamization of Kanem-Bornu also brought Islamic orthodoxy to Nupe land during the late 18th century to the early 19th century.

History of Nupe Ethnic Group

Just like the other ethnic groups in Northern Nigerian (Hausa/Fulani, Kanem-Bornu) that we have surveyed, Nupe ethnic group has many versions of the history relating to their origin. Even though many of them look similar, we will look at the ones that have been generally accepted by Nupe history scholars.

The Version of Idah

It has been a popular belief among Nupes that the founder of Nupe was Tsoede (also called Edegi). Tsoede lived in Idah (the present day Kogi state; North Central Nigeria) in the early days of his life. During his stay in Idah, he faced a lot of contention with the people because of his "over-strict" nature, and at a point, he was even arraigned before the local court in Idah.

Tsoede was a prince of Idah at that time but all these contentions made him to flee from Idah and established a small community along Niger river and installed himself as the king (ETSU) of Nupe land. The title "ETSU-Nupe" was later adapted throughout the Nupe land as the highest administrative head - even till this present day, ETSUs still wield tremendous amount of power.

It was from the areas along the Niger river that other Nupe lands were formed and presently, Nupe people are found in some major Northern and Middle-belt states in Nigeria, like FCT (Federal Capital Territory), Kogi state, Kwara state, Benue state. Asides Nigeria, some other places in Africa and the wider world have small native Nupe speakers, like Knowle (Solihull, England) _ref.

The Version Of Egypt

This is also a migratory account of the origin of Nupe. This version is heavily opposed by some Nupe people, but some still believe it till now. It is believed that the founder of the Nupe ethnic group migrated from the ancient Egypt and Journeyed through the Sahara till they found their way to the Northern part of Nigeria. According to the version of Egypt, during the ancient time (around 1700 BCE), the pharaoh of Egypt led some contingents to the Northern part of Nigeria (where the present day Nupe is located).

Another oral tradition of the same Egyptian version explained that during that time, Nupe tribe also covered parts of West African sub-region. The ancient Nupe people (called "KinNupe") practised Nok culture - this was before the introduction of Islamic orthodoxy. This can also explain some cultural similarities between the ancient KinNupe and the Egyptian people. As against some Hausa/Fulani that believe creationist myths and legends (like the creation of man from drop of milk), the major history of the Nupe people centered around the migratory account.

Nupe Administration and Socio-political organization

During the pre-colonial time; and even till this present time; the administration of the entire Nupe land is centered on the ETSU-Nupe (king of Nupe). ETSU-Nupe does not only have administrative functions over the land of Nupe but religious functions as well. As a matter of fact, during the ancient times, people saw ETSU-Nupe as divine being and some people even reverenced and worshipped him. The people of Nupe were ruled by the words of the ETSU.

However, even with this so much power wielded by the ETSU-Nupe, his powers are not absolute. There are people that the ETSU-Nupe was answerable to; like the titled nobilities. In the land of Nupe, during the ancient times, there were many titled nobilities that oversaw the activities of the ETSU-Nupe, example of them are Maku, Kpotuh and the Shabi, which have remained till this present time.

Asides the titled nobilities, each province in Nupe land had their own administrative head (called Zitzu). The Zitzus were selected by the ETSU-Nupe and they were answerable to him, while he was answerable to the titled nobilities. A very unique feature of the socio-political organization of the Nupe land is; they believed very well in hierarchy of power and this feature has remained even till this present time.

References: Ref1, Ref2, Ref3, Ref4, Ref5