NON CENTRALIZED STATES IN THE PRE COLONIAL NIGERIA.

 Non centralized states are states that have no single central authority or are not ruled by a single entity or an individual. In this sense, powers are shared between a weak central government and other smaller units /autonomous communities within a political system. These states are also called DECENTRALIZED STATES. Examples of these states  in precolonial Nigeria are: Ebira, Tiv, Annang, Oron, Idoma, Egun and so on.

FEATURES OF NON CENTRALIZED STATES.

The following are features of non centralized states in precolonial Nigeria:

1.They made use of age grade system as well as council of elders so as to ensure smooth administration.

2. Existence of secret societies and cults.

3. It was made of smaller communities made up of families headed by the oldest or eldest.

4. They lived in scattered settlements.

5. Some states had uniformed language or dialect or signs used for communication or transmission of messages.

 ADVANTAGES OF CENTRALIZED STATES IN PRECOLONIAL NIGERIA.

The following are merits or advantages of non centralized states:

1. It allowed for active participation in administration.

2. It allowed for grass root government.

3.It prevents the misuse of power and authority.

4. It helped in the reduction of crimes as offenders are punished accordingly using oracles , fetish or diabolic means or even other harsh punishments including sold as slaves.

DISADVANTAGES OF NON CENTRALIZED STATES IN PRECOLONIAL NIGERIA.

The following are disadvantages or demerits of non centralized states in precolonial Nigeria:

1.Weak central administration

2. It requires lots of resources to run and maintain such administration.

3.The rate of inexperienced  and corrupt leaders were high and it brought about  embezzlement of funds, mismanagement of resources and less development in some areas.

4.They had weak army/military to protect them from external threats.

5. They had no  law courts and take laws into hands in some cases.