In the pre-colonial Hausa-Fulani political system, the title given to the head of a emirate was

After the Fulani Jihad of 1804 led by Usman Dan Fodio, the Hausa states were reorganised into emirates, each headed by an Emir who wielded both political and religious authority. The Alaafin was the title for the ruler of the Oyo Empire, the Obi was used in Benin and parts of Igboland, and Etsu was the title for the ruler of the Nupe kingdom.