1st Term
IGBO PRE-COLONIAL TRADITIONAL
POLITICAL SYSTEM
The Igbo pre-colonial political system was
described by many scholars as an ‘acephalous political system‘ which can be
translated as ‘a leaderless or chiefless political system’. This term is
suitable for describing the Igbo pre-colonial political system because it was
decentralized and based on village and direct democracy where everyone in the
village has the authority to contribute in decision making. Each Igbo village
was seen as a political unit inhabited by related families who were bounded by
common beliefs and origin. Each family head in the village held the ‘Ofo‘
title and together the family heads formed the council of
elders. The council of elders presided over important
issues on the village’s welfare, safety, development and so on. Among the
council of elders, one was recognized as the eldest. He was the ‘Okpara‘.
He could call for and adjourn a meeting, and could also give judgments as
well. The council of elders was believed to be earthly
representatives of the Igbo ancestors. They maintained the age long customs,
traditions and laws of the land. These included laws against misbehavior or
immoral acts in which suitable punishment would be meted out to its
perpetrators.
Another important institution in the Igbo political system was the age-grade. The age-grade consisted of youngsters that belong to the same age-group. The senior age-group maintained peace and order in the village and also provided security to ward off external attacks, while the junior age-group concentrated on the sanitation of the community and other necessary duties. The age-grade were also involved in the administration of the village, and as well acted as a check to the council of elders and other administrative bodies.
Another important institution in the Igbo political system was the age-grade. The age-grade consisted of youngsters that belong to the same age-group. The senior age-group maintained peace and order in the village and also provided security to ward off external attacks, while the junior age-group concentrated on the sanitation of the community and other necessary duties. The age-grade were also involved in the administration of the village, and as well acted as a check to the council of elders and other administrative bodies.
Another level in the Igbo political
administration were the ‘Ozo‘ title holders. This expensive title was
conferred on wealthy and influential men in the community who after getting the
title become recognized and could then preside over meetings with the village
elders. Also, the priests were not left out in the administration of the
village. Great importance were attached to them for they were believed to be
the mouthpiece of the gods e.g. Aro’s juju. Even the council of elders consulted
the priests on matters that were beyond their powers i.e. matters that needed
spiritual intervention.
Therefore, different institutions were doggedly involved in administering the Igbo community, and powers were equally shared among them. In conclusion, the Igbo pre-colonial political system can be safely said to be similar to the modern Republican system of government in which the people are governed by their consent.
Therefore, different institutions were doggedly involved in administering the Igbo community, and powers were equally shared among them. In conclusion, the Igbo pre-colonial political system can be safely said to be similar to the modern Republican system of government in which the people are governed by their consent.
Structure
Legislative: the
function of law making is done by the council of elders whose decisions are
spiritually ratified by the gods of the land through the use of the Ofo. Executive: the powers to implement the
law are decentralized among the various socio-political groups, namely Umu-ada,
Age-grade, Masquerade cult etc. Judiciary:
functions like dispute settlement is also carried out at different levels
depending on the seriousness of the case. It can be settled within the family,
among the age-grades, umu-ada, or taken to the council of elders. A more
serious offence can be decided by the oracle.
Features
(1)
It was acephalous (2) political power was not centralized on a particular
individual (3) there was direct democracy (4) Judicial power is religiously
applied by the village priest who invokes the gods to give their judgment. (5)
the market square served as the chambers.
Functions of age grades
(1)
They perform community services (2) they help to maintain law and order (3)
they police the community (4) they implement the decisions reached by the
council of elders (5) they check the excesses of the ruling council.(6) they
carry out ceremonial functions during cultural festivals.
Functions title holders
(1)
Okpala: he is the head of the
council of elders (2)Ofo title holders
: they are the heads of each family that come together to form the council of
elders. (3) Ozo title holders: they
are wealthy and influential men who are recognized in the society for their
contribution to its development.
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