During the traditional politics in Nigeria, in which polity was rulership invariably a form of gerontocracy?
- Edo
- Hausa-fulani
- lgbo
- Kanuri
-
Tiv
The correct answer is: E
Explanation
The Tiv society in the pre-colonial period had an egalitarian and gerontocratic political system. Leadership was based on age, personality, and traditional values. The administration of the community was led by elders, with the eldest man known as the 'Orya' overseeing religio-judicial, legislative, and executive functions within the compound.
The Igbo society operated on a system of direct democracy at the family and kindred levels, where every individual's opinion was valued, and consensus was sought before making decisions. Representative assemblies were common at the village and town levels, ensuring that the voices of community members were heard in governance matters. The familial structure served as the foundation of Igbo society, with extended families forming a network of connections that influenced decision-making and social cohesion.
The Hausa-Fulani and Kanuri of Northern Nigeria practised Monarchy. The Kano Empire and Sokoto Caliphate were the administrative systems that controlled Northern Nigeria