The laws of the pre-colonial African system were mostly unwritten. In traditional African societies, laws and customs were passed down orally from generation to generation through storytelling, proverbs, and other forms of oral tradition.
These unwritten laws were deeply rooted in the cultural and social values of each society, and were enforced by traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community elders. The laws covered a wide range of issues, from property rights and inheritance to marriage and family disputes, and were based on principles of fairness, justice, and community harmony.
Although the laws were unwritten, they were still considered to be binding and enforceable, and were respected by members of the community. Disputes were often resolved through mediation and negotiation, rather than through formal legal proceedings.
With the advent of colonialism, many African societies were forced to adopt Western-style legal systems that were based on written laws and codified statutes. However, the legacy of the pre-colonial African legal system continues to influence many aspects of African culture and society, and is still recognized and respected in many communities.