WAEC Government 2020 Theory — Question 10

Model answer

(a) Features of the Igbo Political System (any three): (i) The Igbo political system was segmented/fragmented, that is it was highly decentralized without a unified or centralized political structure, hence, it was described as acephalous. (ii) There was decentralization of powers. In pre-colonial Igbo society, political power and functions were diffused without the concentration of powers in an individual or institution. (iii) Democratic principles were upheld as every Igbo participated in the governance process e.g. Okpara, Council of Elders, Age Grades, Ozo title holders and chief priest participated effectively in the administration of the Igbo traditional society. (iv) Succession was not hereditary. (v) Village administration. This was made up of all family heads that represented their respective families at the Village Assembly. The village assembly, which was a form of direct democracy, was also known as Oha-na-eze. (b) Democratic tenets of the Igbo Traditional Political System (any four): (i) Power was shared constitutionally along all political levels. (ii) Decentralized political structures. (iii) The political system guaranteed citizens authority to contribute to decision making. (iv) People were governed by their own consent. (v) Arbitrary use of power was non-existent in the Igbo traditional political system. (vi) The political system was more like the Republican as decisions were reached by consensus. (vii) Each Igbo political institution acted as a check on the other to ensure orderly governance of the society. (viii) Political position was not hereditary but earned.