The Lunguda people, residing in Guyuk, Adamawa State and some parts of Gombe State in northeastern Nigeria, are known as the only matriarchal tribe in Nigeria. This community operates based on matrilineal system which became the basis on which the society carried out its functions, where kinship is passed down through the maternal line, emphasizing the significance of maternal over paternal relationships. Here, kinship is traced through the mother’s line, and her legacy dictates the flow of inheritance and family responsibilities. This is a society where women are not merely participants, but custodians of tradition, shaping the cultural landscape in ways that defy convention.
As we explore the origins, practices, and nuances of this matrilineal system, we uncover a world where maternal authority reigns and familial bonds are forged through the strength of mothers, weaving a tale of resilience in a male-dominated world.
The matrilineal system of the Lunguda is not only a social structure, but a living tradition passed down through generations. Unlike most cultures, where inheritance and family ties are traced through the father, the Lunguda people value the maternal bond as sacred, with children inheriting their mother’s property, and identity (clan). Delving into this custom, upon the death of a mother, her children inherit her possessions, while a father’s property is distributed among his matrilineal relatives. This unique system highlights the significance of women’s roles in Lunguda society, where maternal authority supersedes paternal influence in familial matters.
Origins of the matrilineal practice in Lunguda land
According to Lunguda oral traditions, the origins of their matrilineal system can be traced to fascinating stories passed down over centuries. One of the most well-known is the tale of a child who fell gravely ill. His father, distant and unwilling to help, left the responsibility to the mother, who nursed the child back to health. Afterward, she claimed full authority over the child, marking the beginning of matrilineal kinship.
Though the Lunguda people are primarily matrilineal, certain events and customs bring the patrilineal line to the forefront. One such instance is the Julga’a celebration, a ceremonial gathering that highlights the father’s role within the community. Hunting expeditions, another vital aspect of Lunguda culture, also emphasise the paternal line’s involvement in certain social rituals.
Despite these exceptions, the matrilineal structure remains dominant, particularly in family and inheritance matters. However, the organisation of chieftaincy follows the paternal line, offering a glimpse into how Lunguda society balances the two systems. This blend of matrilineal and patrilineal practices demonstrates the Lunguda’s ability to navigate and incorporate multiple familial traditions, maintaining their cultural integrity while adapting to new influences.
Gender equality and power
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Lunguda people’s matrilineal system is its dynamics within the society, and the quality of gender roles in the family where women are not just passive carriers of lineage but are active custodians of property, familial decisions and cultural memory. By placing women at the centre of inheritance and kinship, Lunguda society offers a stark contrast to the male-dominated systems found elsewhere in Nigeria.
Men are also not sidelined but assume different roles within this structure, where their identities are often linked to their maternal heritage, and they support the community through other means such as organising rituals or ensuring continuity of traditions like hunting and chieftaincy.
This gender dynamic reshapes how power and responsibility are distributed, offering a model where gender roles are fluid, yet firmly rooted in respect for maternal influence. Due to civilisation and modernisation, the Lunguda people face the challenge of preserving their matrilineal traditions, especially in a rapidly changing world where economic pressures, urban migration and shifting social norms have begun to erode traditional structures across the region. However, the Lunguda people have shown resilience, with elders passing down their customs and values to younger generations, ensuring that the matrilineal system remains a vital part of their identity.
In an increasingly globalised world, where patriarchal norms are often seen as the default, the Lunguda people’s matrilineal society serves as a reminder of the diversity and complexity of human social structures. By placing women at the centre of kinship and inheritance, the Lunguda offers a powerful example of how alternative models of gender and authority can endure. As the world looks to new ways of organising society and empowering marginalised voices, the Lunguda people’s matrilineal tradition offers valuable lessons in resilience, balance and the strength of maternal bonds.
Pisagih writes from the Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri
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