CONSTITUTED AUTHORITY

Meaning of Constituted Authority

Constituted authority refers a person or group of persons that has the power of making and enforcing laws in a group, organization or society. In every society, there are groups, associations, schools, government and business organizations that are composed of different group of people. Each of these organizations has leaders, and these leaders are refers to as constituted authority. For instance, the constituted authorities in a secondary school are the principal, vice principal and other management staff working with the principal. This constituted authority is set up according to the rules and regulations of the group or society concern, and therefore is to be obeyed and respected by the people.

Types of Constituted Authority

Traditional Constituted Authority: traditional constituted authority is the type of authority based on the customs and traditions of the people. It is an inherited constituted authority. A person who exercises traditional authority does so by virtue of his birth. That, is, it is one’s family background that makes one a traditional constituted authority. Examples of traditional constituted authorities in Nigeria are traditional rulers who go by different names in different parts of the country such as:

i.                 Emir/Sarki among the Hausa/Fulanis,

ii.             Eze, Obi or Igwe among the Igbos,

iii.         Oba among the Yorubas and Edos,

iv.          Obong among the Efiks,

v.              Mai/Shehu among the Kanuris

vi.          Amanyangbo among the Opobos

vii.      Tor among the Tivs.

In some ethnic groups, first sons exercise a lot of influence in their families as such, they are unofficially seen as constituted authority based on tradition. Some of the roles played by first sons include:

a.   Inheritance of properties,

b.  Sharing of family properties,

c.   Succession within the family,

d.  Marriage of family daughters,

e.   Allocation of land for residential purposes,

f.    Burial of family members etc.

Also, titled holders in many societies are traditional constituted authorities. This is because, by virtue of their titles, they become privileged to execute many traditional functions such as

1.  Mediation in conflict between persons and groups,

2.  Performance of rites during festivals,

3.  Performance of burial rites,

4.  Offering advice to traditional leaders on local matters.

Legal Constituted Authority: this is the type of authority that is derived from the rules and regulations governing a given society or group. In other word, it is authority that is derived from the law or backed up by the law. Any person or group of persons who perform functions allowed him or her by the law is referred to as legal constituted authority.

In modern societies, legal authority is the most recognized type of constituted authority. As a result, legal authorities are found in all modern societies. They make things happen in formal organizations and in government, which include school, hospitals, industries, ministries, parastatals, legislature, judiciary etc. Legal constituted authorities in formal organizations include the person or groups that perform these roles: principals, governors, bursars, head teachers, vice-chancellors, permanent secretaries, bishops, company directors, etc. Legal constituted authorities make laws and enforce them in formal organizations that operate in modern societies. They act as the laws of the society or the law establishing their organizations deem fit.

Charismatic Constituted Authority: charismatic constituted authority is the type of authority that is based on the personal quality or charm of a leader which makes others to love him, to have confidence in him, and to follow him happily. The charisma of a leader, which is a quality or charm that makes a person to be admired by others, may be based on one or a combination of the following attributes:

a.   Excessive love for one’s people,

b.  Great oratorical power,

c.   Extreme honesty and transparency,

d.  Great philanthropic activities etc.

Importance of Constituted Authority

1.  Law Making: constituted authorities are responsible for the smooth running of the society. They do this through making laws in order to guide the conducts of citizens in the society.

2.  Law Enforcement: constituted authorities also ensure that laws made in the society are obeyed by the citizens. They do so by implementing the laws as well as punishing those who break the laws, to deter (discourage) others from doing so.

3.  Preventing Chaos: constituted authorities also prevent a society from falling into confusion or disorder. They do this by effectively combating crimes and by ensuring citizens’ obedience to laws of the society.

4.  Development: the development of a society also depends on the quality of its constituted authority. They help in the development of the society through making good policies that will make the society attractive to other societies.

5.  Provision of Social Amenities: constituted authority also help in the provision of social amenities such as good roads, clean water, electricity supply, building of school, hospitals etc. so that the citizens will be comfortable.