WAEC Government 2012 Theory question 106

Theory question 106

Pre-colonial Political Systems

Highlight six features of the Igbo traditional societies.

Show the model answer

Model answer

Any six:
1. Acephalous (no central ruler); segmentary, decentralised authority.
2. Small political units: villages / village groups.
3. Village assembly (Oha-na-eze) of adult males as the main decision body; direct democracy.
4. Council of elders headed by holders of the Ofo staff.
5. Age grades carried out public works, defence and law enforcement.
6. Title societies (Ozo, Nze) gave prestige and influence.
7. Religion: priests, oracles (e.g. Arochukwu) and deities settled disputes.
8. Umunna (lineage/kinship) as the basic unit.
9. Decisions by consensus; republican and egalitarian; leadership by merit.

Explanation

Igbo society is the classic example of a stateless (acephalous) system; build points around that.