* Decentralization: Power was dispersed among various groups and institutions, with no single individual holding ultimate authority.
* Age grades: Society was structured based on age groups, each with its own responsibilities and influence.
* Lineage groups: Clans and lineages held significant power, with elders playing a vital role in decision-making and conflict resolution.
* Title societies: Individuals could earn prestige and influence through achieving titles and positions within their communities.
* Democratic processes: Decisions were often made through consensus and open discussion, involving community members.
Key aspects of the Igbo political system that contribute to its acephalous nature:
* Absence of a monarch: The Igbo had no single ruler or supreme leader.
* Emphasis on consensus and collective decision-making: Decisions were reached through discussion and agreement among elders and community members.
* Importance of kinship and lineage: Clans and lineages were the primary organizing units of Igbo society, providing social and political structures.
Therefore, the term "acephalous" accurately describes the Igbo political system, highlighting its lack of a centralized head or monarch, and the distributed nature of power among various groups and institutions.