GCEGovernmentPre-colonial Nigerian Political Systems2020

In assessing the pre-colonial Sokoto Caliphate's administrative structure, which of the following accurately describes the relationship between the Sultan and the emirs?

AThe emirs were independent rulers who owed no allegiance to the Sultan
BThe Sultan was a constitutional figurehead while real power resided with the emirs
CThe emirs governed their territories autonomously but owed spiritual, political, and tribute obligations to the SultanCORRECT
DThe Sultan appointed and directly administered all emirates through resident commissioners
AI
Toaster Teacher
Why the answer is C, and why the others tempt you.
The Sokoto Caliphate operated as a loose federation in which each emir governed his emirate with considerable autonomy in administrative and judicial matters, but was obligated to acknowledge the Sultan's spiritual supremacy, seek his confirmation for succession, and pay annual tribute (zakkat). The emirs were not fully independent (ruling out A), the Sultan was not a mere figurehead (ruling out B), and direct administration by the Sultan was not practised (ruling out D).
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