Socio-political Organisation of Urhobo: The Urhobo people of the Niger Delta region had a decentralized political system based on village groups and titled societies.
Structure of Urhobo Political System
Village Group System
The Urhobo government was based on the village group which comprised people of common descent.
Division of Villages
- Villages were divided into quarters
- Quarters were made up of compounds
- Compounds were owned by family units
Titled Societies
Titled societies played important roles in governance. Some of them included:
- The Ade: A titled society with political influence
- The Okaka: Elder council involved in decision-making
- The Ohonwonve: Age-grade society for governance
Features of Urhobo Political System
- Decentralized – no single ruler
- Decisions made by council of elders
- Age-grade system important for administration
- Titled societies held significant power
- Democratic elements in decision-making
WAEC Note: The Urhobo political system is similar to the Igbo system – both were decentralized without kings.