Government 2, WASSCE (SC), 2022

Question 6

 

Identify five ways in which traditional rulers controlled their subjects in pre-colonial Nigeria

Observation

This was a popular question. Many candidates that attempted it performed very well and scored very high marks. Those who scored low marks were those who could not explain their points. The candidates were expected to explain the following points.

  1. Through their intermediary role as representatives of the gods
  2. Powers to appoint and dismiss officials
  3. Adjudication of laws/settlement of disputes
  4. Rewards/honour
  5. Enforcement of customs, traditions and conventions
  6. Punish law breakers/deviants in society/Banishment of criminals
  7. Organize and supervise communal labour
  8. Imposition of levies/taxes
  9. Law making functions
  10. Formulation and implementation of policies
  11. Symbol of power and authority
  12. Custodians of the land
  13. Invocation of spirits of the ancestors to regulate the conduct of their subjects
  14. Oath taking by the subjects
  15. Dethronement of sub-chiefs
  16. The use of trial by ordeal
  17. The establishment of law enforcement institutions