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