Identify any six roles of traditional rulers in the pre-colonial West Africa.
Explanation
(i) They served as a link between the people and their ancestors.
(ii) They appointed subordinate chiefs.
(iii) Maintenance of law and order – They mobilized their subjects, especially the able bodied youths to keep law and order.
(iv) Preservation of native laws and customs. They ensured that the cherished customs and traditions of the people were preserved and promoted.
(v) Administration of Justice – They interpreted customary norms and conventions and passed judgments.
(vi) Community development – They mobilized and organized their subjects towards community development.
(vii) Recruitment of able-bodied men for war in defence of their territories.
(viii) They performed religious functions.
(ix) They collected tributes and taxes.
(x) They allocated community resources e.g. land.
(xi) They maintained external links with other communities.
(xii) They made laws, rules and regulations.
(xiii) They conferred honours on deserving citizens.