JAMB - Government (2000 - No. 35)
A characteristic of most pre-colonial governments in Nigeria is that they
had no defined functions
performed only executive functions
had no clear separation of powers
observed independence of the judiciary
Maelezo
Most pre-colonial governments in Nigeria, such as those of the Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa-Fulani, and other ethnic groups, did not have a formal separation of powers like modern democratic systems. The rulers or leaders often held a combination of executive, legislative and judicial functions. For instance, in some societies, the king or chief not only enacted laws but also enforced them and settled disputes.