# Lesson Plan for Senior Secondary 2 Government Class
**Topic**: Pre-Colonial Political System: Yoruba Political System - Pre-Colonial Political Institutions and Their Functions
## Objective:
- Understand the structure and function of the pre-colonial Yoruba political system.
- Identify and explain the roles of different political institutions such as Traditional Rulers, Council of Elders, Secret Societies, Age Grades, etc.
- Develop critical thinking on the effectiveness and influence of these institutions within traditional Yoruba society.
## Duration:
- 2 periods of 45 minutes each
## Lesson Outline:
### Period 1:
**Introduction (10 minutes)**
- Begin with a brief discussion on the importance of studying pre-colonial political systems.
- Ask students what they know about the Yoruba people and their history.
- Introduce key terms: Traditional Rulers, Council of Elders, Secret Societies, Age Grades.
**Topic Presentation (15 minutes)**
- Provide a detailed explanation of the Yoruba political system:
- **Traditional Rulers**: Discuss the roles of Obas (Kings), and their significance in Yoruba society. Mention important titles like the Alaafin of Oyo.
- **Council of Elders**: Explain the advisory role of the council in decision-making and governance.
- **Secret Societies**: Describe the functions of secret societies like the Ogboni, and their influence in maintaining law and order.
- **Age Grades**: Define age grades and their roles in social organization, communal labor, and defense.
**Activity (15 minutes)**
- Divide students into groups and assign each group one of the political institutions (Traditional Rulers, Council of Elders, Secret Societies, Age Grades).
- Each group will prepare a short presentation on their assigned institution, covering its structure, function, and influence in pre-colonial Yoruba society.
**Conclusion (5 minutes)**
- Have each group present a brief summary of their findings.
- Allow time for questions from the students to enhance understanding.
### Period 2:
**Recap (5 minutes)**
- Briefly review the key points from the previous period about the Yoruba political system and its institutions.
**Activity (20 minutes)**
- Continue with the group presentations if not completed in the previous period.
- After presentations, engage students in a class discussion comparing the Yoruba political system to modern-day political systems. What are the similarities and differences?
**Case Study Analysis (15 minutes)**
- Present a historical case study involving the Yoruba political system, such as a conflict resolution by the Council of Elders or a decision made by a traditional ruler.
- Discuss the case study in class, focusing on how the pre-colonial political institutions played their roles.
**Assessment (5 minutes)**
- Administer a short quiz to assess students' understanding of the day's lesson. Questions should cover the roles and functions of the Yoruba political institutions discussed.
**Conclusion and Homework (5 minutes)**
- Summarize key points from both periods.
- Assign homework: Write an essay on “The Role of Secret Societies in the Maintenance of Law and Order in Pre-Colonial Yoruba Society.”
- Encourage students to use library and online resources for their homework.
## Materials Needed:
- Textbooks and reference materials on pre-colonial African political systems.
- Case study handout.
- Quiz papers and pens.
## Additional Notes:
- Ensure active participation from all students during group activities and discussions.
- Provide support to groups during preparation to ensure accurate and comprehensive presentations.