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Pre-colonial Igbo political organization was based on communities, devoid of kings or governing chiefs. The development of a heterarchical society, as opposed to a hetriarchical society, marks Igbo development as sharply divergent from political trends in pre-colonial West Africa. With the exception of Igbo towns such as Onitsha, which had kings called Obis, and places like Nri and Arochukwu, which had priest kings known as Ezes, most Igbo village governments were ruled solely by an assembly of the common people.

Although titleholders were respected because of their accomplishments, they were never revered as kings. Their responsibility in society was to perform special functions given to them by the assemblies, not to make laws or dictate policy. This way of governing was immensely different from most other communities of Western Africa, and only shared by the Ewe of Ghana.

In the absence of judicial authority, the Igbo settled law matters by oath-taking to a god. If that person died in a certain amount of time, he was guilty. If not, he was free to go, but if guilty, that person could face exile or servitude to a deity. [3]

The Igbo followed a calendar in which a week had four days. A month consisted of seven weeks, while thirteen months made a year. In the last month, an extra day was added. This calendar is still in use in villages and towns to determine the market days.

The early Igbo utilized a mathematics system known as Okwe and Mkpisi, and used a saving and loans bank system called Isusu.

Igbo secret societies also had a ceremonial script called Nsibidi.

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The Igbo pre-colonial political system was described as acephalous because it lacked a centralized authority or a single ruler. Instead, power was decentralized among various village chiefs and elders, with decisions being made through consensus in a decentralized manner.

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Q: Why was the igbo pre colonial political system discribed as acephalous?
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Why was the igbo political system described as acepalous?

The Igbo political system was described as acephalous because it was a society without a centralized system of government or a ruling monarch. Instead, power was decentralized among villages, each with its own council of elders and chief. This lack of a central authority made decision-making more democratic and allowed for a degree of autonomy within each village.


The political system of igbo and Yoruba during the pre colonial era?

The Igbo political system was decentralized and based on a system of autonomous villages with democratic decision-making processes. Leadership was often based on merit, with elders and titled men making important decisions through consensus. The Yoruba political system was more centralized, with a system of monarchs ruling over city-states and regional councils of chiefs assisting in governance. The Oba (king) held significant power and authority, and leadership positions were often hereditary within ruling families.


How were the igbo more democratic than the british?

The Igbo had a more decentralized political system where decisions were made by a council of elders and the community as a whole. In contrast, the British colonial system was more centralized and hierarchical with power concentrated in the hands of the colonial administrators. The Igbo also practiced consensus decision-making, while the British imposed their laws and governance structures on the Igbo without their consent.


What are the three major pre-colonial systems of the Hausa in terms of their political organization and system of administration?

The three major pre-colonial systems of the Hausa were the Maguzawa, Banza Bakwai, and the Hausa Bakwai. The Maguzawa were decentralized village communities led by local rulers called Hakimi. The Banza Bakwai consisted of seven states that were linked by trade and led by individual rulers called Sarki. The Hausa Bakwai were a group of seven city-states with centralized political authority led by a supreme ruler called Sarkin Hausa.


Discuss extensively the igbo pre-colonial administrative system?

The pre-colonial Igbo administrative system was primarily decentralized and organized around village councils and age grades. Leadership roles were often based on age, experience, and personal achievements rather than inherited titles. Decision-making was participatory, with consensus-building and conflict resolution being important aspects of governance. While there were no centralized political authority figures, influential individuals known as "oligarchs" played key roles in mediating disputes and maintaining social order.

Related questions

Why was the igbo political system described as acepalous?

The Igbo political system was described as acephalous because it was a society without a centralized system of government or a ruling monarch. Instead, power was decentralized among villages, each with its own council of elders and chief. This lack of a central authority made decision-making more democratic and allowed for a degree of autonomy within each village.


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The political system of igbo and Yoruba during the pre colonial era?

The Igbo political system was decentralized and based on a system of autonomous villages with democratic decision-making processes. Leadership was often based on merit, with elders and titled men making important decisions through consensus. The Yoruba political system was more centralized, with a system of monarchs ruling over city-states and regional councils of chiefs assisting in governance. The Oba (king) held significant power and authority, and leadership positions were often hereditary within ruling families.


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