POWERS AND ROLES OF INDIGENOUS INSTITUTIONS IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN AFIKPO

Abstract

Abstract

Abundant in colonialist and imperialist literature awash with racism is the view that the traditional African-Igbo society had no ethical or moral principles. That was why Basden (1983) categorically maintained that the word morality had no significance in the Igbo vocabulary and that the Igbos are not patters of morality. Lord Lugard on his part, and in the same vein, is said to have referred to the people of Southern part of Nigeria as those with no ethics and no principles of conduct. In order to debunk these Eurocentric views this paper highlights how indigenous institutions settle conflicts amongst individuals and groups in Afikpo an Igbo community in the South-East. The Afikpo model of conflict resolution has been recognized as an alternative system of justice in South-East Nigeria. The model is rooted in cultural tradition. Indigenous social and political institutions as channels for conflict resolution are emphasized. The model has been widely recognized by the state and non state actors especially those who are in the business of conflict management. The paper also emphasized that indigenous institutions have power in resolving conflicts in Afikpo. The findings of this study is that the model is victim-centered, victims, offenders and their relations, and the entire community, are involved in defining harm and repair. The paper adopted primary and secondary research methods. The paper recommends that Afikpo model should be studied by government and private organizations who are involved in conflict resolution and adopt the relevant aspects in resolving conflicts in this present world.

Keywords: Conflict Resolution, Indigenous, Traditional, Political Institutions.