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Question

Difficulty: EasyRoles of Age Grades, Title Holders, and Cults in Pre-Colonial Igbo Society

In pre-colonial Igbo political administration, which institution was primarily responsible for executing public decisions, performing community work, and enforcing laws?

  1. Age gradesAnswer
  2. B
    Ozo title holders
  3. C
    Warrant chiefs
  4. D
    Council of Elders

Answer

Age grades performed executive duties, community labor, and law enforcement in pre-colonial Igbo society.
In the acephalous political system of the pre-colonial Igbo, age grades (Uke/Ebiri) served as the executive arm of government. They carried out public works such as clearing pathways and building market structures, maintained law and order, and enforced decisions made by the village assembly and council of elders.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary executive duties described in the question, such as executing decisions, public works, and law enforcement.
Recognize that these tasks require a organized, physically capable executive body within the community.
Traditional Igbo governance relied on decentralization of powers among different social groups.
2
Match the executive functions to the correct pre-colonial Igbo institution.
Age grades (Uke or Ebiri) were composed of peer cohorts responsible for carrying out public labor, policing, and enforcing community rules.
While elders made policies, younger age grades provided the physical structure to execute those policies.

Key Concept

Executive Functions of Age Grades in Pre-Colonial Igbo Governance
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Roles of Age Grades, Title Holders, and Cults in Pre-Colonial Igbo Society