(a)Methods used by the pre-colonial chiefs of a country to control their subjects are:
(i) Laws, rules and regulations were used to control their subjects.
(ii) Settlement of disputes: The traditional rulers performed some judicial functions by settling disputes.
(iii) Law enforcement: Law enforcement institutions were created e.g. Age grades, masquerades, etc.
(iv) The use of ancestral spirits.
(v) Appointment of minor chiefs.
(vi) Rewards: People who have contributed to the development of their areas were rewarded with titles or distribution of land and war booty.
(vii) Customs/taboos and conventions were used to control their subjects.
(viii) Sanction and punishments were applied against law breakers e.g. banishment.
(ix) Oath taking was used to control the subjects.