Non-Centralized States – SS1 Nigerian History Lesson Note (Third Term)

These are state communities in which political power is not in the hands of a single ruler or person. Another name for this is decentralization. Examples include Igbo, Ibibio, Urhobo, Isoko, Idoma and Tiv.

Features of these states

1. No central government
2. The basic social unit was the village
3. The compound was the smallest unit of social setting
4. Religious activities played a great role in these states. A very good example of these non-centralised states is Igbo.
5. Government is usually more effective and efficient; responsive and responsible.

The Igbo In Pre-colonial Times

The Igbo came from the Jews to the areas known as Awka and Orlu. They have a segmentary political system, i.e. no central government e.g. king. It can also be called a republican (no monarchy)

Socio-political Institutions

1. Ama-Ala means village democracy (they make laws)
2. Kingship institutions (in some towns like Onitsha, Nri and Oguta). These kings are not all that powerful.
3. Title societies fee-paying organization.
4. Secret Societies e.g. Ekpe and masquerade.
5. Age grade organization.
6. The Osu cult slaves.

Traditional worship of Chineke, Ibiniukpabi of Arochukwu, the Agballa oracle at Awka, the Igwekala oracle at Umunneocha, Amadioha oracle of Ozuzu and Aro travelling traders.

Political And Social Structure

1st- Village

2nd- Maximal Lineage (ward)

3rd- Major Lineage(ward section)

4th Minimal Lineage (sub-ward section)

5th- Household or family (smallest unit)

The Igbos have no centralised authority, yet some factors bound them together. They include:

1. Powerful oracles e.g. Oracle of Chukwu at Aro, amadioha, igwekala etc
2. Markets – the big central market for every Igbo group to meet for socio-religious purposes.
3. Trade routes – this links all villages together.
4. Practise Exogamy, a system of marriage outside the tribe.

Ijo, Efik and Itshekiri

Socio-political Organization Of ljo and Efik

1. They are divided into clans known as ibe.
2. They had no central control.
3. Only the high priest had authority over the clan.
4. Villages under the clan enjoyed a large degree of Independence.
5. Village assembly known as amagula was the main political authority.
6. They had secret societies that played important roles; maintained law and order and trained youths. Women cannot join them. They held meetings and had a system of grades.

Socio-political Structure Of Itshekiri

1. They have a compact system with the Ode Itshekiri as the capital
2. Olu is the head of administration and head of chiefs (ojoye)
3. Olgbosere – Prime minister and chief adviser
4. lyasere – war leader
5. Uwangue custodian of the Olu’s regalia

Political Organization

1. The monarch acquired more power.
2. The political competition was fierce.
3. Their economy was mainly fishing, production of salt and textiles etc.