Government 2,Nov/Dec 2018

Question 6

 

Highlight five features of the Yoruba pre-colonial political system in Nigeria.

Observation


This question was unpopular as it was avoided by some of the candidates. The few ones who attempted it did not perform well; they failed to provide correct answers to the questions. The candidates were expected to provide the following answers in order to score good marks.

  1. It operated under the principles of checks and balances.
  2. The system had a constitutional monarch.
  3. The system had a standing army led by Aare-Ona Kakanfo.
  4. The subjects paid tribute to the rulers/Obas.
  5. Age-grades existed in the Yoruba pre-colonial system.
  6. The secret society existed to perform spiritual function.
  7. The system was democratic because Oba’s rule was not allowed to be autocratic.
  8. Traditions and customs of the people are guided by laws and regulations.
  9. There was an existence of council of chiefs.
  10. Waging of wars was done in collaboration with the Oba and the council of chiefs.
  11. Kingmakers selected Oba during the pre-colonial system.
  12. Appointment of the village and ward heads was done by the Oba to supervise their communities.
  13. Oba was the political/cultural and sometimes spiritual head.
  14. Succession to the throne was hereditary through the royal lineage.