Major civil works in the pre-colonial Igbo political system were undertaken by the

Analyze the question The question asks which group in the pre-colonial Igbo political system carried out major civil (public) works, such as building and clearing roads, digging or protecting streams and markets, and constructing shrines and meeting places.

Explain the concept The pre-colonial Igbo political system was largely acephalous (without a centralized king) and democratic. Authority was shared among several groups, each with its own role:

• Elders (Ndichie): Made decisions, settled disputes, and interpreted custom.
• Okparas (eldest males of lineages): Led families and kindreds and performed ritual duties.
• Title holders (Ozo, Nze): Had social prestige and played a moral and judicial role.
• Village assembly: The general forum where major decisions were debated and agreed.
• Age grades: Groups of people born within the same few years. They provided the labour force and carried out the community's practical tasks.

Solution Making a decision and carrying it out are different things. The elders and the village assembly decided what should be done. The age grades did the physical work. They:

1. Cleared roads and paths and kept markets clean.
2. Built bridges, markets, and meeting halls.
3. Acted as a police and security force, and as a defence force in war.
4. Enforced community decisions.

So the major civil works were undertaken by the age grade societies.

Answer: A. age grade societies

Exam tip: Remember "Age grades = Action." Elders and the assembly decide, while age grades do the work: labour, security, and community projects.