Highlight any six-methods used by the pre-colonial chiefs in your country to control their subjects.

Answer Details

Methods used by pre-colonial chiefs (traditional rulers) to control their subjects

1. Use of religion and divine kingship: Chiefs were often regarded as sacred, semi-divine or the intermediary between the people and the gods and ancestors. This religious sanction made subjects obey out of reverence and fear of supernatural punishment.
2. Administration of justice: The chief and his council settled disputes, tried offenders and imposed sanctions such as fines, banishment or death. Control over justice kept subjects in order.
3. Use of a council of elders/chiefs: The ruler governed with a council of titled men and elders who represented the wards and clans, transmitting the chief's decisions to the people and securing their compliance.
4. Taxation and tribute: Chiefs demanded tributes, levies, gifts and labour from their subjects. The obligation to pay bound the people to the authority of the ruler.
5. Control of the army/warriors: Chiefs maintained warriors and age-grade militias used to defend the community, enforce decisions and punish rebellious subjects.
6. Use of age-grades and secret societies: Institutions such as age-grades, cults and masquerade (e.g. Ogboni, Ekpe) enforced laws, executed judgments and maintained social discipline on behalf of the ruler.

(Other acceptable points: reward system through titles and land grants, control of trade and markets, use of customs, taboos and oaths.)