Prior to British colonisation in the 20th century, the Igbo people in southeastern Nigeria lived under a republican consultative assembly. Exceptions included the Priest-Kings of Nri and Aro, as well as notable towns like Onitsha, where the Obi ruled as king, and Arochukwu with the Eze Aro.

An “Acephalous” Political System

The Igbo pre-colonial political system was termed an “acephalous political system,” meaning a “leaderless or chiefless political system” (Nnoli, 1978; Isichei, 1976). This term accurately describes the decentralised nature of Igbo governance, rooted in direct democracy where every villager could contribute to decision-making.

Obi Onitsha Okosi I, the first Christian Obi of Onitsha, with images of George V and Mary of Teck held behind him, c. 1913. via Richard Henderson. [ukpuru.com]

Structures of Governance

The political structure in Igboland began with the family – Umunna as the smallest unit, and extended to the community – Obodo, the largest unit (Ngonadi, 2021). Law started with the Umunna, a patrilineage of closely-related families led by the eldest man. Most Igbo societies were patrilineal, with succession passing through males (Nwoye, 2011). These family heads, known as Ofo title holders, formed the council of elders. This council oversaw matters concerning the village’s welfare, safety, and development. Within the council of elders, one individual held a position of seniority known as the Okpara. The Okpara had the authority to convene and dismiss meetings and render judgments (Ekejiuba, 1986). Considered earthly representatives of Igbo ancestors, the council of elders upheld long standing customs, traditions, and laws, enforcing penalties for misconduct or immoral behaviour.

The Role of the Age-Grade System

An integral part of Igbo political administration was the age-grade system. Age-grades consisted of villagers within the same age bracket (Afigbo, 1980). Senior age-grades maintained order and provided security within the village and from external threats, while junior age-grades focused on community sanitation and other essential tasks (Achebe, 1958; Nwabara, 1978). Age-grades also participated in village administration, serving as a check on the council of elders and other governing bodies.

Igbo children, members of a wrestling age grade, Ndukwe village, Amaseri Village-Group, Nigeria (1951-1953). [ukpuru.com]

Ozo Title Holders

Another vital tier of Igbo political hierarchy was the Ozo title holders. This prestigious title was conferred upon affluent and influential community members, and a man who took this title was known as Ichie. He had become nobility, granting him recognition and the authority to preside over meetings with village elders (Onwubiko, 1979).

An ozo title holder near Nsukka, northern Igboland, 1963-64. Photo: David Ames. [ukpuru.com].

Additionally, priests played a crucial role in village governance, revered as the voice of the gods. Even the council of elders sought the counsel of priests for matters requiring spiritual intervention beyond their jurisdiction (Isichei, 1976).

Collaborative Governance

Various institutions worked hand-in-hand in governing the Igbo community, with power distributed among them, each checking the excesses of the other. In conclusion, the Igbo pre-colonial political system bears resemblance to modern republican governance, emphasising inclusive, consent-based governance by the people: a testament to the remarkable feat achieved by the Igbo during a tumultuous period in history.

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Written by Ifeanyichukwu Ubakamma, Edited by Chisom Akuakonam

An old kind of warrant chief, from The Nigeria Handbook, 1936.[ukpuru.com]

References

Achebe, C. (1958). Things Fall Apart.

Afigbo, A. E. (1980). The Age-grade System in Igboland.

Ekejiuba, F. I. (1986). “The Role of the Okpara in Igbo Governance.”

Henderson, R. (1913). Obi Onitsha Okosi I, the first Christian Obi of Onitsha, with images of George V and Mary of Teck held behind him. Retrieved from ukpuru.com.

Isichei, E. (1976). A History of the Igbo People.

Ngonadi, I. (2021). “Structures of Governance in Igboland.”

Nnoli, O. (1978). Ethnic Politics in Nigeria.

Nwabara, S. N. (1978). Ibo in Pre-Colonial Nigeria.

Nwoye, C. (2011). Patrilineal Societies in Igbo Culture.

Onwubiko, K. B. C. (1979). History of West Africa: A.D. 1000 to Present Day.

Ukpuru.com. (1951-1953). Igbo children, members of a wrestling age grade, Ndukwe village, Amaseri Village-Group, Nigeria. Retrieved from ukpuru.com.

Ukpuru.com. (1963-1964). An Ozo title holder near Nsukka, northern Igboland. Photo by David Ames. Retrieved from ukpuru.com.