1. Igbo Society was Decentralized, not Stateless:
* Lack of a Centralized Authority: There wasn't a single ruler or king controlling all Igbo communities. Instead, power was distributed among various groups and institutions.
* Autonomous Villages: Each village operated largely independently with its own council of elders (ndi okenye) who made decisions on matters like land, justice, and war.
* Age Grades: Social and political roles were determined by age groups, with young men forming age grades that held specific responsibilities in the community.
2. Importance of Lineage and Kinship:
* Patrilineal System: Descent and inheritance were traced through the father's line, creating strong bonds between families.
* Extended Family Structure: Families lived in close proximity, forming networks of support and cooperation.
* Ofo Title System: Titles associated with prestige and authority were granted within lineages, giving them influence in the community.
3. Regional Unions and Confederations:
* Inter-village Cooperation: While villages were autonomous, they would sometimes form alliances or federations for shared purposes like defense, trade, or religious ceremonies.
* Obis and Kings: Some regions, especially in the eastern parts of Igboland, had powerful figures called "Obis" or "Kings," but their power was generally limited compared to centralized monarchies elsewhere in Africa.
4. "Stateless" as a Misnomer:
* Complex Governance System: Despite lacking a single ruler, Igbo society had a sophisticated system of governance based on age grades, lineage, and councils of elders.
* "State" as a Western Concept: The idea of a "state" with a centralized government was not the dominant model in pre-colonial Africa.
Therefore, while Igbo society didn't have a single centralized authority, it had a complex and well-structured system of governance that ensured order and continuity within their communities.
The term "stateless" should be used with caution, as it can oversimplify the intricate political organization of Igbo society.