Administration and politics under Fulani Rule in Agaie

With the establishment in 1832 of Fulani rule in Agaie, the title "Etsu" later to be called Emir by the British Colonialist was adopted for the head of the emirate. The Etsu was assisted in the administration of the entire emirate by a council of special advisers and other traditional title holders. Etsu was the overall and outright ruler of the entire emirate. He assumed full executive powers on the very day of his appointment to the throne. This was usually further confirmed with a coronation ceremony.

He was the political, religious, economical and judicial head of the emirate. As the political head of the emirate, he has absolute control over it and receives tributes from villages under his domain. In addition, all political appointments within the emirate were made and confirmed by him.

Being the executive head of government, his orders and decisions were binding on all individuals within the emirate irrespective of their economic and political status.

As the economic head of the emirate, the Etsu had control over the emirate's resources, which rendered his economic powers incontrovertible. Most of his income comes from presents, tributes, and poll taxes paid by non-muslims for protection.

The Etsu also appointed the chief Imam for Agaie and other towns and villages within the emirate. As the head of the judicial system, he settled disputes among individuals and groups within the emirate. Besides the court, the Etsu palace also serves as an avenue for alternative dispute resolution just as it provided appellant services. Whenever a case was disputed in the Qadi or "Alkali" (judge)'s Court, it was usually transferred to the etsu who settled it.

His palace at that time was the final court of appeal with no supreme court beyond it. There was no room for appeal against his judgment; neither at Gwandu nor at Sokoto. This was so because the Fulani Etsu Agaie in the early part of the dynasty were versed in the principles of Shariah.

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