System of government:
Every Idakho clan had an elder whom it obeyed. His job was not only to lead them into warfare against invading forces, but also to settle quarrels. He was also the one who authorised his people to go to war or to cease hostilities and to raid cattle. He could also lead his troops in his capacity as the “omusesia” (war leader). He was called “omukhongo omukali”, i.e. the big boss. Inter-clan disputes were settled by the “abakhongo abakali” (the big bosses) of the clans concerned. Each big boss was also responsible for all matters in his clan. All the six clans of the Abetakho had mutual understanding and friendship. Cases were judged by the“omukali’s” elders (abakhulundu bomukali). The “omukali” was neither a rain-maker nor a magician. More>>>

THE ABASHIKULU CLAN

The ruler had a staff and wore a cloak made from the skins of various animals especially cattle and monkeys. He also wore a shoe on his left foot made from the skin of a buffalo; from his left shoulder hung an elephant’s tail fly-whisk.

In addition, one of his bodyguards always carried a special cage-like pot for the purposes of settling disputes - if the ruler came across any disputants, the pot was filled with water and, after some ritualistic processes, the dispute was settled. The pot acted as an ordeal (omuma).