Longuda (Lunguda) People
The Longuda or Lunguda are a West African ethnic group living in Adamawa and Gombe States in northeastern Nigeria.
They are the only known matriarchal tribe in Nigeria, with matrilineal descent often considered more important than patrilineal descent in many aspects of their social organization.
Clan membership is frequently determined through the mother's line, a custom not found among their neighbors or other Nigerian tribes.
History & Geography
- The Longuda rulers adopt the Kanuri style of leadership.
- The seat of the traditional ruler is located in Guyuk, Adamawa State.
- Oral tradition states that the Longuda parted from the Kanuri in Borno State.
Cuisine
- Staple crop: Guinea Corn (Sorghum bicolor).
- Traditionally ground on a stone hand mill and cooked into a thick paste called tuwo, eaten with vegetable soup.
- Today, rice, maize, and millet are also part of their diet, but Guinea Corn remains dominant in cultivation.
Marriage
- Primarily polygamous society.
- Marriage rites vary between dialect groups.
Traditional Marriage Practice
- A young man, without informing the woman, would gather friends on the night he intended to marry her.
- The woman would be abducted to his cottage.
- Once she spent the night there, both families considered them married.
- The bride price was paid afterwards.
- The event often led to a fight between the groom’s group and young men from the bride’s neighborhood.
- Victory in the duel determined whether the bride was taken.
Modern Practice
- Influenced by Christianity and neighboring cultures.
- A man seeks the woman’s consent beforehand.
- On an arranged night, friends of the groom a