Government 2, WASSCE (PRIVATE CANDIDATE), 2019

Question 7


  1. List three institutions in Igbo pre-colonial administration in Nigeria.

  2. Outline four functions of the Council of Elders in the Igbo pre-colonial administration in Nigeria.

 

Observation

 

This question was unpopular and 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 especially in part (b). The candidates were expected to provide the following answers in order to score good marks.


    • Village Assembly
    • The Council of Elders
    • The Age-grade Societies
    • The Ozo title holders
    • The Diviner (oracle)
    • Ofo title holders

    • The Council discussed and took decisions on issues that related to the general administration and welfare of the community.
    • It performed judicial functions and sometimes acted as a final court of appeal. 
    •  Members performed religious and traditional rituals on behalf of their wards in the whole community.
    • It elected the new traditional ruler and crowned him according to the customs and tradition of the community.
    • It also acted as an advisory body to the traditional ruler and the community.
    • It made laws for the peaceful co-existence of the community.
    • It was empowered to declare wars when the communities were threatened.
    • It assigned responsibilities to the age grade societies.
    • Its members settled minor disputes in their families.
    • The Council acted as adviser to the paramount chief.
    • The Council acted as the law making body.
    • It maintained law and order in the community.
    • It settled land disputes among the people.