Back to: History SSS 1
Hello, my brilliant Afrilearn superstar! I hope you’re having a fantastic day! Have you ever wondered why some Nigerian societies had powerful kings and large armies while others ruled themselves in smaller groups? While some Nigerian states, like the Kanem-Bornu Empire, were centralised (ruled by a single leader), others were non-centralised—meaning they were governed by groups of elders, chiefs, or councils instead of a king.
Today, we’ll learn about how non-centralised states like the Igbo, Ibibio, and Isoko were organised, how they ruled themselves, and what made their societies unique.
The states formation process non- centralized state; Igbo, Isobo Ibibio
A non-centralised state is a society that does not have a single powerful ruler or central government. Instead, power is shared among different groups, such as councils of elders, chiefs, priests, and secret societies.
Features of Non-Centralised States
No single ruler controlled the entire society.
Power was shared among different groups.
Decisions were made through discussions and agreements.
They relied on age grades, family heads, and secret societies for leadership.
Now, let’s look at some examples of non-centralised states in Nigeria.
1. The Igbo Society
The Igbo people are found mainly in southeastern Nigeria (Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Abia, and Ebonyi states). Unlike the Yoruba and Benin kingdoms, the Igbo did not have a single king. Instead, their communities were ruled through a system called direct democracy.
Political System
Each village was an independent community and ruled itself.
Decisions were made by a council of elders made up of respected family heads.
The Ofo title holders (custodians of tradition and justice) helped maintain law and order.
The Age Grade System helped in community development and defence.
Powerful secret societies like the Ozo and Ekpe societies influenced decisions.
Economic System
The Igbo were traders and farmers, growing yam, cassava, and palm oil.
They engaged in long-distance trade, especially with the Aro traders, who acted as middlemen.
Religious System
The Igbo worshipped Ala (the earth goddess) and other deities.
The Oracle of Arochukwu was an important spiritual centre that influenced decision-making.
Significance of the Igbo System
It promoted equality and democratic governance, where everyone had a say in decisions.
It allowed for self-reliance, as each village governed itself without external control.
2. The Ibibio Society
The Ibibio people are found in present-day Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. Like the Igbo, they had a non-centralised system of government, but they had a more organised leadership structure.
Political System
The Ekpe secret society played a major role in decision-making and law enforcement.
Power was shared among village councils and family heads (Etubom).
The Obong (king) existed in some areas, but his power was not absolute—he had to consult the council of elders before making decisions.
Economic System
The Ibibio were skilled farmers, traders, and fishermen.
They traded palm oil, fish, and salt with their neighbours.
Religious System
The Ibibio believed in Abasi Ibom (Supreme God) and many deities.
The Ekpe and Ekanem cults played important spiritual roles.
Significance of the Ibibio System
It maintained balance of power, preventing any single ruler from dominating the people.
The Ekpe secret society helped maintain law and order.
3. The Isoko Society
The Isoko people are found in Delta State and share similarities with the Urhobo people. Their society was also non-centralised, meaning they ruled themselves through elders and councils.
Political System
Each Isoko community was governed by a Council of Elders, who made laws and settled disputes.
The Ovie (king) existed in some areas, but he had limited power and had to consult the elders.
Age grades and secret societies helped enforce discipline and laws.
Economic System
The Isoko people were farmers, hunters, and traders.
They produced yam, plantain, palm oil, and rubber.
Trade was important, and they exchanged goods with neighbouring groups.
Religious System
They believed in Oghene (Supreme God) and ancestral spirits.
The Olotu (spiritual leaders) played a key role in religious activities.
Significance of the Isoko System
It promoted community cooperation and unity.
It ensured that power was not concentrated in one person’s hands, preventing oppression.
Differences Between Centralised and Non-Centralised States
Feature
Centralised State (e.g., Kanem-Bornu)
Non-Centralised State (e.g., Igbo, Ibibio, Isoko)
Ruler
A single powerful king (Mai, Oba, Emir)
Power shared among elders, chiefs, and councils
Government System
Hierarchical, with a central government
Decentralised, with small communities ruling themselves
Law Enforcement
Army and royal officials
Age grades, secret societies, and elders
Example Societies
Kanem-Bornu, Oyo Empire, Benin Kingdom
Igbo, Ibibio, Isoko, Tiv, Ijaw
Summary
Non-centralised states had no single ruler but were governed by councils, elders, and secret societies.
The Igbo society used direct democracy, where power was shared among elders and age grades.
The Ibibio society had a leadership system influenced by the Ekpe secret society.
The Isoko society was ruled by elders and chiefs, with some kings having limited power.
Unlike centralised states, non-centralised societies encouraged democratic governance and equality.
Evaluation
- What is a non-centralised state?
- How was the Igbo society governed?
- What role did the Ekpe secret society play in Ibibio society?
- Name one economic activity of the Isoko people.
- How were non-centralised states different from centralised states?
Fantastic job, superstar! Now you understand how some Nigerian societies ruled themselves without kings or central governments. History is full of amazing discoveries, and you are doing an excellent job learning about them! Keep shining, keep asking questions, and always remember—you are part of history too! See you in the next lesson!
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