Government 2, WASSCE (SC), 2016

Question 6

Outline five functions performed by the Ogboni Secret Society in the pre-colonial Yoruba political system.

Observation

This question was unpopular as it was avoided by some of the candidates.  The overall performance was below average.  The few candidates’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.

(i)         Policy making: It was involved in the policy making process.
(ii)        Religious function: It served as an intermediary between the people and their                     ancestors.
(iii)       It approved decisions of the paramount ruler and his advisers.
(iv)       Maintenance of law and order: It maintained law and order.
(v)        Checks and balances: It checked the arbitrary use of powers by the ruler.
(vi)       Protection: It provided protection for its members and the people.
(vii)      It preserved the cultural values and heritage of the people.
(viii)     It served as a final court of appeal in both civil and criminal cases.
(ix)       It served as an agent of political education for the people.
(x)        It helped in the dethronement or deposition of the ruler.