A Critical Appraisal of the Traditional Leadership Styles in Igboland, South-Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Igbo traditional rulers as embodiment of custom an important aspect of their ceremonial role are highly ambiguous. Much of what might be regarded as a genuine local tradition in Igbo society is connected with traditional religion its shrines, practices and rituals. However, already many warrant chiefs of the early colonial period supported Christianity, even if the alliance with the missions remained shaky. The Igbos life did not just start with colonization rather before the advent of the Europeans, Igbos already had a philosophy, established structure of government which was democratic, education and technology when they say “Igwe bu ike”. (Relations are strength), Agwo otu onye huru bu Eke, (snake seen by one man is python) this means that the democratic spirit in Igbos check any possible excesses arising from unnecessary seniority, status and achievement. This work ex-rays the styles or patterns of administration of the traditional leaders in Igbo land especially since early 1970s. It realized that traditional leaders are not highly recognized in the Igbo land, unlike the traditional leaders of some other tribes like Yoruba, Edo, Hausa, etc .The study equally looked at the symbolism employed by them and also their characters, the Igbo land traditional leaders are more of civil servants and have their private businesses.