The Chima system under the Mai - ruler of Kanem-Borno (the longest-lasting pre-colonial African
state) - is a fiefdom based on control of human and material resources. This form of the state
governance had the Chima Kura or lords (senior Chima) and their subordinates or Chima Gana
(junior local representatives) administering the state under the Mai. The study of how the
Chima system was transformed under British colonial administration - the indirect rule or the
Ajiya or district head system - in Borno Province shows its incorporation as Native Authority
a unique form of indirect rule. It evolved as the local government administration in Borno and
Nigeria after 1960 thereby adapting the pre-colonial Chima system into a colonial and
post-colonial administrative system in Borno Nigeria.
