Identify the various ways by which the traditional rulers controlled their subjects

• As chief executives: Traditional rulers during the pre-colonial
  period were the overall heads of their domains. 
• Law Making: They were the heads of the legislative body. They made laws together with the council of chiefs. 
• Defense of the
  community: When there was any external attack,
  traditional rulers led their subjects
  to defend the community. 
• Spiritual
  functions: Traditional rulers were the religious leaders
  in their communities. They led their
  people in worship and mediated between
  them and their ancestors. 
• Maintenance of law
  and order: They ensured that peace reigned in their
  communities. This was done by the use of age
  grades, secret societies etc. 
• Settlement of disputes: They perform judicial functions. This they do
  by settling disputes among their people. 
• Mobilization of the
  people for community developments: They ensured that people came out in large
  numbers whenever they were needed for
  community development. 
• Link between the people and other communities: As the representatives of the people, they
  acted as a link between their subject and other
  neighbouring communities.