ABSTRACT

A number of institutions are present in the traditional setting, which ensure smooth-running and harmonious relationships. These institutions constitute the traditional ruler, his/her cabinet and kingmakers, secret societies, age grades, and so on. The institutions are revered for reasons which must include the powers – spiritual and temporal – that they possess. They could order physical sanctions on offenders or non-conformists and even invoke the wrath of deities to ensure compliance with their directives.