In pre-colonial West Africa, the Igbo people were known for their decentralized political structure. Unlike the Hausa, Yoruba, and Kanuri, who had more centralized systems of governance with powerful kings or rulers, the Igbo practised a system of governance that was more egalitarian and decentralized. They had various forms of community-based leadership, including age grades, councils of elders and market leaders. There was no single centralized authority or king and decisions were made through consensus among the community members.