In the Igbo traditional system, the highest democratic institution is the

Analyze the question: It asks which institution was the highest democratic body in traditional Igbo political organisation. The Igbo system was largely acephalous (no central king) and republican, so power rested with the people through assemblies.

Explain the concepts:

• Umunna: the extended patrilineal kin group or lineage. It handles family and lineage matters, and it is a smaller unit than the town or village assembly.
• Oha-na-eze: the general assembly of the people, meaning all adult male members of the community. It was the final decision-making body and had legislative and judicial powers. It decided on war, peace, and major community laws. Because every qualified citizen could take part, it was the most democratic institution.
• Umuada: the association of daughters of the lineage married outside. They settle disputes, especially family matters, and play a role in funerals and in the welfare of women.
• Ofo title holders: these are lineage heads and elders who hold the Ofo staff, a symbol of authority, justice, and truth. They have moral and ritual authority, but they are not the whole assembly of the people.

Solution:

1. Identify what "highest democratic institution" means: the body where all the people have a say and that takes final decisions.
2. Compare the options: Umunna is a kin group, Umuada is a women's association, and Ofo holders are a select group of elders.
3. Only Oha-na-eze is the general assembly of the entire community, and it was the supreme authority.

Answer: B. Oha-na-eze

Exam tip: Remember "Oha = the people". When you see "highest" or "supreme" together with "democratic" in a question on Igbo politics, think of the general assembly of the people. Likewise, the Umunna is the family or lineage, and the Umuada is the daughters.