FUNCTIONS OF THE MAIN POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS OF PRECOLONIAL SOCIETIES

CONTENT

1. The Main Political Institutions in the Precolonial Societies
2. Functions and Powers of Paramount Chiefs
3. Functions and Powers of The Council of Elders
4. Functions and Powers of Secret Societies
5. Functions and Powers of Age Grades
6. Functions and Powers of Religious Organizations

The Main Political Institutions in the Precolonial Societies

The main political institutions of the pre-colonial societies included:

1. The paramount chiefs.
2. The Council of elders.
3. Secret Societies.
4. Age grades.
5. Religious organizations.

Functions and Powers of Paramount Chiefs

1. They acted as the supreme rulers of their various communities.
2. They performed religious functions as high priest of all religious cults.
3. They controlled commerce and trade in their various communities.
4. They perform legislative functions of law-making in their various communities.
5. They ensured the defense of their communities.

Functions and Powers of The Council of Elders

1. The council of elders saw to the installation and deposition of the paramount chiefs.