DEMOCRACY IN IGBO TRADITIONAL SOCIETY
In contemporary Igboland, the precolonial Igbo system of government is still being practiced to some extent.
The Igbos generally had no Kings or chiefs, (ie Igbo Enwe- Eze)
The Igbo people practice the Democratic system of government known as direct democracy,
In this type of democracy, every qualified adult citizen in a community or state participates in decision making directly without electing representatives.
The highest Democratic institution in Igboland is the Oha-na-Eze (ie- town Assembly)
The Igbos had a decentralized system of government.
The Executive, Legislative and Judicial power were vested in the Oha-na-Eze, other Democratic institutions include; the council of elders, the Ofor title holders, the Ozor title holders, the Age-Grade, the Umuada, the Family and the Ani (is earth goddess) represented by a Chief priest.
The main assembly of the whole town or village group is the highest platform for political decision and action. All adult citizens can attend and participate in the meetings of the town Assembly.
In the town Assembly the titled elders presided over 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 Igwe (ie- ruler or king) where they existed was the best warrior in the town,
He had judicial, legislative and executive powers but never acted alone, he was advised by the most honoured men/women of the town who could remove him in office if he didn't rule in the public interest.
Other councils that play important role in the government includes the council of elders and the council of chiefs,
The council of elders were made up of the oldest men and women of the town while the council of chiefs is made up of war chiefs, religious chiefs, market chiefs, family or ward chiefs etc.
The functions of these councils include;- advising the Igwe (ie- King) on a day to day administration; removing the king if need be; regulating trade by fixing prices for essential commodities; trying offenders; negotiating peace with neighbours; planning for and engaging in war; and deciding on days for religious ceremonies.
The Age-Grades are formed by males and female children born within a given age bracket, For example children born between 1960 to 1965 can be grouped under one age grade.
Each Age grade is usually organized under a leader and other officials.
The leader normally is the oldest or strongest member.
The Age-Grades were called upon go perform public services and duties such as clearing the bush path, repairing public houses and bridges, preparing the town center for ceremonies, ceremonial functions such as dancing and wrestling, war duties and civic duties.
Comments
Post a Comment