Nri in Anambra state is regarded as the ancestral home of the Igbos. In Nigeria the Igbos generally occupied the former Eastern Region and a part of the Mid Western region. The Igbos generally had no Kings or Chiefs (i.e. Igbos enwe-Eze). However few towns like Onitsha had what looked like a recognized chief. The Igbos operated a democratic system of Government. The highest democratic institution among the Igbos is the Oha-na Eze (i.e. the Town Assembly). The largest political unit was the village/village group. This was by kindred then family unit.

The Igbos had a decentralised system of government. The executive, legislative and judicial power were vested in the

Oha-na Eze
the council of elders
the Ofor title holders
the family
the Ozor title holders
the Age-Grade
the Umuada
the ‘Ala’ or represented by a Chief Priest.

The administrative system was decentralized and characterized by the principle of acephalous (absence of a centralized government). It was therefore a chiefless society which was segmentary and egalitarian in nature. There was no supreme king like Oba and Emirs in the North. Interestingly, however, each village in Igbo society is normally administered like a Republic, independent or sovereign state.

Be that as it may, there existed many institutions in the pre-colonial Igbo society, charged with the responsibility of judicial, legislative and executive functions like: the family group, village council, Ozo title holder, age grades and the Ala.

The Family Group is one of the most recognized institutions in pre-colonial Igbo society as the basic unit of every political institution. It comprised people of the same family. Not only that, each family group was autonomously headed by the title holder called ‘OKPARA’. The Okpara controls the family and judges any family disputes. He performed ritual and ceremonial functions on behalf of the family.

Village Council is popularly known as council of elders, it comprised of all the family heads in the village. However, the most important thing is that each village was administered as a sovereign entity and each family heads (Okpara) were reckoned or named an ‘Ofo’ title holders in the village. They had the responsibility of discussing the matters that affected the life of the citizens. They also helped in maintaining law and order in the society as well as settlement of dispute between or among group of families. The chairman of the council was known as the oldest of the OKPARAS.

Ozo Title Holders was seen as the highest title of honour which was given to the specific individuals in pre-colonial Igbo society. To become an Ozo title holder, one must be prestigious, popular and wealthy. The most amazing thing is that the position wasn’t hereditary. Ozos were highly influential. They settled and adjudicated on different disputes. Not only that, they rendered valuable advice to the family heads (the Okparas).

Age grade was another important institution in pre-colonial Igbo society. They are group of young men on the basis of age.
The Ala is another political institution in pre-colonial Igbo society. Ala was popularly known as the goddess of the land. Cases like murder, homicide, etc was judged by the Ala. To any Ala, there is a priest called Ala’s priest who interpreted the pronouncement of the Ala. This explained Igbos belief in Amadioha, Igew-ka-ala, Ogbaegbu, etc in terms of needs.

Finally, the Igbo society is segmentary, Republican and sovereign in nature. There were no chiefs compared to Yoruba and Hausa/Fulani pre-colonial administration.
Political Administration

The main political institutions among the Igbos were the Oha-na Eze (The town assembly, the King or Rulers, the Council of Elders or Chiefs and the Age Grade). The Assembly of the whole town or village group is the highest platform for political decision and action. All adult males can attend and participate in the meetings of the town assembly. In the town assembly the titled elders presided over the affairs, deliberated over general decisions on a separate caucus consultation called ‘Igba Izu’ and finally announced final decisions which quite often won a general vocal approval of the people. Occasionally, the final decisions of the elders are rejected and fresh efforts are started towards winning common consensus.

The ruler or king where they existed was the most important person in the town or village. He had the Judicial, Legislative and Executive powers but didn’t act alone. He was advised by his chiefs who could remove him from the office.,, if he did not rule in the public interest.

The council of elders were made up of chiefs and elders in the town. For example, the war chiefs, the religious chiefs, the market chiefs, the family or ward chiefs e.t.c are all members of the council of elders. The functions of the council of elders include :

1. Advising the King on day to day administration
2. Removing the King if need be
3. Regulating trade by fixing price for essential commodities
4. Deciding on days for religious ceremonies and carrying them out
5. Trying offenders and ensuring that the punishment imposed on them are carried out
6. Organising age groups and assigning duties to them
7. Negotiating peace with neighbours as well as planning for and engaging in war


The Age grade are formed by males and in some cases female children born within a given age bracket. For example, Children born between 1960 to 1965, can be grouped under one age-grad. Each age grade usually is organised under a leader and other officials. The leader normally is the oldest or strongest member. The age-grades were called upon to perform public services and duties such as:

1. Clearing bush path
2. Repairing the King’s house and bridges
3. Preparing the town centres for ceremonies and Religious duties such as taking part in rituals and dances
4. War duties and civic duties e.g. performing ceremonial functions
5. Maintenance of Law and order and Peace
6. Sanitation and cleaning of the environment


Judicial Administration

1. The family settled minor disputes within the family level
2. Council of Elders or “Amala” handled major disputes
3. The final adjudication of cases was done by the deities
4. The age grade settled minor disputes among themselves
5. The Ala plays great role in Judicial functions. For example offences such as homicide, murder and birth of abnormal children are crimes against the Ala.
6. The chief also takes part in judicial settlement.
Sometimes, the whole village may constitute itself into a court for the purpose of settling disputes. Finally, the ‘Dibie’ (native doctor) also settles disputes among the people.


Religion

The Igbos practised traditional religion. They had chief priests who performed sacrifices from time to time to appease the gods. The Igbos have great respect for the deities and the departed ancestors. The chief priests were the link between the people and the deities, as well as departed ancestors. The Igbos believe in re-incarnation. Profaning of deities was a very serious offence among the Igbos. The religious life of the Igbos were surrounded by mysticisms and superstitions.
Features of the Igbo Traditional Political System
1. Republic in Nature
2. Powers were decentralized
3. No system of taxation
4. No separation of power
5. Direct democracy when it comes to decision making





PS. For those who find this too long, its summary is that Igbos were Democratic before the coming of the white men. We were running true federalism before the amalgamation of Northern and Southern Nigeria. We were subdued into having figurehead kings by the whites so as to make us easily controlled.


cc: Thebosstrevor1

Igbo enwe eze. in Igbo land everyone is equal but they respect elders and outstanding people

They keep shouting igbos are Republicans in nature but we know it is an outright lie.

They claim, igbos were democratic in nature..another outright lie.

The igbo system is based on seniority not on any election.

The red cap aka warrant chiefs were all put in place by the British.

That shows there was no organization.

The igbos are not the first to practise so called decentralize system, in every traditional system in Nigeria, their is a similar system in place

Nwanna emela na ihe odide a. Onye nwere ako na uche ga aghota na Igbo enwe eze. Mana ndi Igbo nwere ndi agha di njikere oguu mgbe obula na Aro, Aba na ebe ndi ozo

thebosstrevor1:
They keep shouting igbos are Republicans in nature but we know it is an outright lie.

They claim, igbos were democratic in nature..another outright lie.

The igbo system is based on seniority not on any election.

The red cap aka warrant chiefs were all put in place by the British.

That shows there was no organization.

Okay. It is the fulanis that are republicans in nature.

Are you happy now?

Only greedy people seek empires

gidgiddy:
Only greedy people seek empires

People who are unorganized dont have empires.

All the most powerful civilization of the world had an empire. They fought wars and won battles that made their people proud.

Igbo amaka.

Cc lzaa

Demurkelly:
Nri in Anambra state is regarded as the ancestral home of the Igbos. In Nigeria the Igbos generally occupied the former Eastern Region and a part of the Mid Western region. The Igbos generally had no Kings or Chiefs (i.e. Igbos enwe-Eze). However few towns like Onitsha had what looked like a recognized chief. The Igbos operated a democratic system of Government. The highest democratic institution among the Igbos is the Oha-na Eze (i.e. the Town Assembly). The largest political unit was the village/village group. This was by kindred then family unit.

The Igbos had a decentralised system of government. The executive, legislative and judicial power were vested in the

Oha-na Eze
the council of elders
the Ofor title holders
the family
the Ozor title holders
the Age-Grade
the Umuada
the ‘Ala’ or represented by a Chief Priest.

The administrative system was decentralized and characterized by the principle of acephalous (absence of a centralized government). It was therefore a chiefless society which was segmentary and egalitarian in nature. There was no supreme king like Oba and Emirs in the North. Interestingly, however, each village in Igbo society is normally administered like a Republic, independent or sovereign state.

Be that as it may, there existed many institutions in the pre-colonial Igbo society, charged with the responsibility of judicial, legislative and executive functions like: the family group, village council, Ozo title holder, age grades and the Ala.

The Family Group is one of the most recognized institutions in pre-colonial Igbo society as the basic unit of every political institution. It comprised people of the same family. Not only that, each family group was autonomously headed by the title holder called ‘OKPARA’. The Okpara controls the family and judges any family disputes. He performed ritual and ceremonial functions on behalf of the family.

Village Council is popularly known as council of elders, it comprised of all the family heads in the village. However, the most important thing is that each village was administered as a sovereign entity and each family heads (Okpara) were reckoned or named an ‘Ofo’ title holders in the village. They had the responsibility of discussing the matters that affected the life of the citizens. They also helped in maintaining law and order in the society as well as settlement of dispute between or among group of families. The chairman of the council was known as the oldest of the OKPARAS.

Ozo Title Holders was seen as the highest title of honour which was given to the specific individuals in pre-colonial Igbo society. To become an Ozo title holder, one must be prestigious, popular and wealthy. The most amazing thing is that the position wasn’t hereditary. Ozos were highly influential. They settled and adjudicated on different disputes. Not only that, they rendered valuable advice to the family heads (the Okparas).

Age grade was another important institution in pre-colonial Igbo society. They are group of young men on the basis of age.
The Ala is another political institution in pre-colonial Igbo society. Ala was popularly known as the goddess of the land. Cases like murder, homicide, etc was judged by the Ala. To any Ala, there is a priest called Ala’s priest who interpreted the pronouncement of the Ala. This explained Igbos belief in Amadioha, Igew-ka-ala, Ogbaegbu, etc in terms of needs.

Finally, the Igbo society is segmentary, Republican and sovereign in nature. There were no chiefs compared to Yoruba and Hausa/Fulani pre-colonial administration.
Political Administration

The main political institutions among the Igbos were the Oha-na Eze (The town assembly, the King or Rulers, the Council of Elders or Chiefs and the Age Grade). The Assembly of the whole town or village group is the highest platform for political decision and action. All adult males can attend and participate in the meetings of the town assembly. In the town assembly the titled elders presided over the affairs, deliberated over general decisions on a separate caucus consultation called ‘Igba Izu’ and finally announced final decisions which quite often won a general vocal approval of the people. Occasionally, the final decisions of the elders are rejected and fresh efforts are started towards winning common consensus.

The ruler or king where they existed was the most important person in the town or village. He had the Judicial, Legislative and Executive powers but didn’t act alone. He was advised by his chiefs who could remove him from the office.,, if he did not rule in the public interest.

The council of elders were made up of chiefs and elders in the town. For example, the war chiefs, the religious chiefs, the market chiefs, the family or ward chiefs e.t.c are all members of the council of elders. The functions of the council of elders include :

1. Advising the King on day to day administration
2. Removing the King if need be
3. Regulating trade by fixing price for essential commodities
4. Deciding on days for religious ceremonies and carrying them out
5. Trying offenders and ensuring that the punishment imposed on them are carried out
6. Organising age groups and assigning duties to them
7. Negotiating peace with neighbours as well as planning for and engaging in war


The Age grade are formed by males and in some cases female children born within a given age bracket. For example, Children born between 1960 to 1965, can be grouped under one age-grad. Each age grade usually is organised under a leader and other officials. The leader normally is the oldest or strongest member. The age-grades were called upon to perform public services and duties such as:

1. Clearing bush path
2. Repairing the King’s house and bridges
3. Preparing the town centres for ceremonies and Religious duties such as taking part in rituals and dances
4. War duties and civic duties e.g. performing ceremonial functions
5. Maintenance of Law and order and Peace
6. Sanitation and cleaning of the environment


Judicial Administration

1. The family settled minor disputes within the family level
2. Council of Elders or “Amala” handled major disputes
3. The final adjudication of cases was done by the deities
4. The age grade settled minor disputes among themselves
5. The Ala plays great role in Judicial functions. For example offences such as homicide, murder and birth of abnormal children are crimes against the Ala.
6. The chief also takes part in judicial settlement.
Sometimes, the whole village may constitute itself into a court for the purpose of settling disputes. Finally, the ‘Dibie’ (native doctor) also settles disputes among the people.


Religion

The Igbos practised traditional religion. They had chief priests who performed sacrifices from time to time to appease the gods. The Igbos have great respect for the deities and the departed ancestors. The chief priests were the link between the people and the deities, as well as departed ancestors. The Igbos believe in re-incarnation. Profaning of deities was a very serious offence among the Igbos. The religious life of the Igbos were surrounded by mysticisms and superstitions.
Features of the Igbo Traditional Political System
1. Republic in Nature
2. Powers were decentralized
3. No system of taxation
4. No separation of power
5. Direct democracy when it comes to decision making





PS. For those who find this too long, its summary is that Igbos were Democratic before the coming of the white men. We were running true federalism before the amalgamation of Northern and Southern Nigeria. We were subdued into having figurehead kings by the whites so as to make us easily controlled.


cc: Thebosstrevor1

There is no concrete or strict political foundational structure in Igbo land their leadership structure entwined to suit the money bag or lavish spender, obi, Eze or igwes becomes insignificant at the sight of financial capabilities of a mere member of the community, the opulent and financially stable ones can easily rule a community even when the igwe is there, he buys the council of elders and chiefs with enough colanuts and goats, it is chop and chop structure of the highest bidder, the rich can easily upsurge and infiltrate so called council of elders and leaders to dance to his tune, it is evident in the case of the coup plotting igwes in Anambra that went to Abuja to report the governor when a money bag instructed them to do such, that is also why there is lots and lots of competition and get rich quickly syndrome that ravages the society.

thebosstrevor1:
They keep shouting igbos are Republicans in nature but we know it is an outright lie.

They claim, igbos were democratic in nature..another outright lie.

The igbo system is based on seniority not on any election.

The red cap aka warrant chiefs were all put in place by the British.

That shows there was no organization.

The igbos are not the first to practise so called decentralize system, in every traditional system in Nigeria, their is a similar system in place

why are you so bitter? If you read all Igbo novels written in precolonial settings, you'd never come across anything like a king cos we are Democratic by nature. No need to oppress our fellow man in the name of royalty

gidgiddy:
Only greedy people seek empires

When your ancestors are dancing with ape in the forest without coordination. How will they establish an empire?

Nyamurri will always find excuse for everything. Even the small Igala sold Nyamurris as slaves and one would wonder how those kind of people can build empire.

The Igwes are just warrant chiefs elevated by the British to fill quota system.

thebosstrevor1:


People who are unorganized dont have empires.

All the most powerful civilization of the world had an empire. They fought wars and won battles that made their people proud.

Only a greedy people will leave their land, forcefully take over peoples lands, enslave them then claim that this is a good thing

Empire my foot

Umueme:
Nwanna emela na ihe odide a. Onye nwere ako na uche ga aghota na Igbo enwe eze. Mana ndi Igbo nwere ndi agha di njikere oguu mgbe obula na Aro, Aba na ebe ndi ozo

Onwerọ ihe eji eze eme. They don't want you to know how advanced you are more than them. We are the only true Democrats in the world. The only group in Africa with Indigenous clothing.
Igbo is like an eagle laughed at her wing size by a chicken because she grew up with the chickens.
If you know half of Igbo accomplishments like I do, even peacock will call you proud

https://www.nairaland.com/6460844/igbo-nation-only-true-democratic

thebosstrevor1:


People who are unorganized dont have empires.

All the most powerful civilization of the world had an empire. They fought wars and won battles that made their people proud.

The ancient Igbos were like the Greeks. They were sovereign , but came together to fight a common enemy. There was a standing army in Aro and Aba just like Umueme said. Igbos had a ready army incase of war.

Demurkelly:





why are you so bitter? If you read all Igbo novels written in precolonial settings, you'd never come across anything like a king cos we are Democratic by nature. No need to oppress our fellow man in the name of royalty

That is because the igbos were scattered in different small unit and different villages raiding each other for slaves and bounty.


There was nothing like Democracy in igbo land, the king of the village, had the final say infact the yorubas scholars will also tell you they were more democratic than the greek themselves because of their systems.

trutharena:


When your ancestors are dancing with ape in the forest without coordination. How will they establish an empire?

Nyamurri will always find excuse for everything. Even the small Igala sold Nyamurris as slaves and one would wonder how those kind of people can build empire.

The Igwes are just warrant chiefs elevated by the British to fill quota system.

whatever you say....but as long as I cant recall Fulani capturing an inch of Igbo land like they did to Kwara and co. , we are the real champs.

Demurkelly:




The ancient Igbos were like the Greeks. They were sovereign , but came together to fight a common enemy. There was a standing army in Aro and Aba just like Umueme said. Igbos had a ready army incase of war.

Ancient igbos and the greeks are 2 different opposite people, different systems, different cultures.

The greeks were very advanced with an empire that spread to northern Africa, the igbos had no of these organized structures of the greeks

thebosstrevor1:
They keep shouting igbos are Republicans in nature but we know it is an outright lie.

They claim, igbos were democratic in nature..another outright lie.

The igbo system is based on seniority not on any election.

The red cap aka warrant chiefs were all put in place by the British.

That shows there was no organization.

The igbos are not the first to practise so called decentralize system, in every traditional system in Nigeria, their is a similar system in place

You are always right.
But
yorubas are very
SUBSERVIENT
in nature.
That is a quality no man can persuade them to drop.

thebosstrevor1:


That is because the igbos were scattered in different small unit and different villages raiding each other for slaves and bounty.


There was nothing like Democracy in igbo land, the king of the village, had the final say infact the yorubas scholars will also tell you they were more democratic than the greek themselves because of their systems.

Odiegwu. At least even at the height of our barbarism,we never had a backstabbing brother like Afonja

Igbo were just clans, only Onitsha was trading with the benins founded by bini prince, nsukka was know for their beautiful women by then.

Demurkelly:



Odiegwu. At least even at the height of our barbarism,we never had a backstabbing brother like Afonja

I am not yoruba, so it is a meaningless attempt to attack me.

Demurkelly:


whatever you say....but as long as I cant recall Fulani capturing an inch of Igbo land like they did to Kwara and co. , we are the real champs.

Igala sold you Nyamurri as slaves.

Fulani never took any empire, Afonja rebeled against the Alaafin as a war general due to the effect of religion and scores they both had to settle.

We defeated Fulanis at Jalumi war and perished them forever in that water.

However, Nyamurris were sold as slaves by minority Igalas and even the most valuable throne for Nyamurri is a Benin stool as confirmed by Azikwe.

While the Oyo empire was busy conquering vast area beyond the shores of present day Nigeria, Nyamurri ancestors were busy playing with apes in the Bush learning how to be cannibals.

trutharena:


Igala sold you Nyamurri as slaves.

Fulani never took any empire, Afonja rebeled against the Alaafin as a war general due to the effect of religion and scores they both had to settle.

We defeated Fulanis at Jalumi war and perished them forever in that water.

However, Nyamurris were sold as slaves by minority Igalas and even the most valuable throne for Nyamurri is a Benin stool as confirmed by Azikwe.

While the Oyo empire was busy conquering vast area beyond the shores of present day Nigeria, Nyamurri ancestors were busy playing with apes in the Bush learning how to be cannibals.

Well i have said all i will concerning this topic. Before going though, I will just leave this word here "fools will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience".

Why do you care about what foolish people thinks about Igbos.


No matter what,they will always hate Igbos.

Demurkelly:





Well i have said all i will concerning this topic. Before going though, I will just leave this word here "fools will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience".

The only self evident truth here is that Nyamurris ancestors don’t have that coordination and advancement to set up an empire.

The attempt by the post writer to hide this under the pretext of some illusionary republicanism is the figment of the illusion of the writer.

If Igala people hear this now, they will tell you guys the stories your ancestors failed to tell you about how the Igalas colonized them and sold them as slaves.

Ndi Igbo hate oppression.

They are live and let's live pipu.

Igbos have no empire, let us rest

Onitsha are from Benin
Igala are the chief priest of Enugu (they fulanized the igbos)
All other region in igbos is just villages and housedom

trutharena:


When your ancestors are dancing with ape in the forest without coordination. How will they establish an empire?

Nyamurri will always find excuse for everything. Even the small Igala sold Nyamurris as slaves and one would wonder how those kind of people can build empire.

The Igwes are just warrant chiefs elevated by the British to fill quota system.

All they know is to steal culture and call it their own.
E.g Benin bead dress, very soon they will say it is their culture..... Imagine dragging it with Benin already

thebosstrevor1:


People who are unorganized dont have empires.

All the most powerful civilization of the world had an empire. They fought wars and won battles that made their people proud.

Yet the US that doesn't have any known history of powerful empires is now their senior brother in almost everything. Days of powerful empires is long gone can the english stand any of the G7 countries alone in a warfare despite having a once powerful functional monarchy?

Demurkelly:




The ancient Igbos were like the Greeks. They were sovereign , but came together to fight a common enemy. There was a standing army in Aro and Aba just like Umueme said. Igbos had a ready army incase of war.

Ancient igbos are like their brothers in Cameroon and Congo. You are not even West Africa if not for Lord Luggard drunkenness. You should be thanking the British not cursing them

Demurkelly:




whatever you say....but as long as I cant recall Fulani capturing an inch of Igbo land like they did to Kwara and co. , we are the real champs.

1. There was nothing fulani will gain in contacting igboland as there were not developed, advanced and still centuries behind from their colleagues as around 1800.

2. The igbo tribes were not known to most powerful empire during the 19 century, they hid themselves in the forest in tiny group of people

3. If Fulani had contact igbos before British, they will defeat you in just three days, they are more advanced than you with sticks and clubs. Many of you will bearing Abdullah Emeka now.