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Explore the dynamics of village authorities and the broader system in Hausa, Niger, focusing on the chieftaincy succession battle between Alu and Núnu in Tudu. Delve into the influence of wealth, power, accusations of sorcery, and village justice systems.
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VILLAGE AUTHORITIESAND THE BROADER SYSTEM IN HAUSA NIGER KEYS TO THE ANALYSIS OF THE KAKA- ALU CASE
The Struggle for the Succession to the Chieftaincy of Tudu • Alu, as the eldest son of the previous headman, is a pretender to the village chieftaincy contending with Núnu, Káka’s son. • Alu wealthy brother, Isu, the “sarkin tasha, is supporting Alu, building a network of clients through gifts and employment
The Struggle for the Succession to the Chieftaincy of Tudu • Most of Isu’s clients are from Milelá. • Núnu suddenly falls ill and dies. His family suspects sorcery
The Struggle for the Succession to the Chieftaincy of Tudu • Bubé, his brother, accuses Alu of sorcery and he is found guilty after a trial and divination in Káka’s moot court • Alu is taken before Sarki and asked if he wants to give Sarki a gift and be released
The Struggle for the Succession to the Chieftaincy of Tudu • Alu protests his innocence and demands a “test” before a great diviner in another village. • Káka bribes the diviner. Alu fails the test. • Alu charges that the ‘test” was unfair
The Struggle for the Succession to the Chieftaincy of Tudu • The diviner dismisses him with a curse. • Alu is taken before the Sarki again and this time is fined. • As a man convicted of sorcery, Alu is no longer a contender for the headman position.
The Struggle for the Succession to the Chieftaincy of Tudu • Alu is allowed to return to the village of Tudu because people blame the spirits and not Alu for Núnu’s death. • Alu is ruined, goes through life mumbling to himself, proving that he is possessed.
The Struggle for the Succession to the Chieftaincy of Tudu • Bubé (Kaka’s surviving son) replaces Núnu as candidate for the position, and Alu’s surviving brother, Isu, declines even to run.