Question 6
Outline five functions of the Village Assembly in the pre-colonial political administration of the Igbo Society.
Observation
This question was unpopular and was also 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.
- The assembly made laws for the village. The Okpara had legislative power among others
- It had the final jurisdiction over all matters in the village. The Okpara was the chairman of the village and held the Ofo title which was regarded as the symbol of authority, unity and rallying point.
- It enforced sanctions imposed on law breakers through age-grades.
- It discussed and made decisions and such decisions were reached through a consensus of the people in attendance.
- It made decisions through general consensus (Village democracy).
- It preserved the customs and traditions of the people.
- It maintained relationship with other villages.
- It created a forum for discussion of issues affecting the village. The forum was made of the Okpara, the age-grades, Ozo title holders and in some cases, the Chief Priest and Umuada.