from yola, adama began the administrative tasks necessary for his nascent state. he did this with usman's advice; he was to foster understanding between his people and their governors, facilitate communication between elders and their subordinates, and prevent the stratification of society based on class or wealth. the empire eventually took on three administrative tiers. at the centre was the "emir al-mu'minin" ("commander of the faithful"), adama himself, ruling from yola and answering only to usman dan fodio in sokoto. a contingent of councillors and administrators directly aided him, and a household staff of non-fulbe and slaves doubled as his bodyguard. below him were a number of district leaders, the lamibe, who ruled key settlements. under them were a number of villages, each headed by a village chief.