Functions of the Emir in the Hausa/Fulani Traditional Political System
(i) The emir appointed officials e.g. Madawaki / Waziri/Galadima/Hakimi to assist him in administering the emirate.
(ii) He provided social services for the people.
(iii) He organized his people for communal work e.g. roads, emir's palace etc.
(iv) He organized his people for defence of the emirate against external attacks.
(v) He enforced the Sharia (Islamic law) throughout the emirate
(vi) He was the spiritual head of the emirate.
(vii) He presided over the emir's court as a judge. Only very few cases went to the Sultan on appeal.
(viii) He maintained law and order in the Emirate.
(ix) He imposed and collected taxes e.g. Haraji, Jangali (cattle tax) and tributes.
(x) The emir was the supreme ruler of his subjects.
(xi) He made laws over the area under his jurisdiction.
(xii) He allocated farmland to the people.
(xiii) He performed ceremonial functions (e.g. Dubar)
(xiv) He honoured brave warriors and conferred traditional titles on worthy citizens.