Resuscitating the Age Grade Associations and Women Guilds in Igbo Land for Effective Conflict Management Mechanism and Resolution.

Abstract

An insight into the history of Igbo people of southern Nigeria remarks that the people had a well-articulated socio-political system that worked very well for the people for maintenance of social relationship and peaceful co-existence. The organs in the socio-political system included the Age Grade Associations and different Women Guilds like the Umuada and Inyomdi Associations. They served as vital tools for identifying evil deeds in the society, adjudicate and enforce discipline especially in the pre-colonial Igbo period. Preliminary investigation reveals that with the advent of colonialism, the strength of these Associations declined and eventually weakened and in some cases disappeared in some areas. This is not unconnected with the colonial method of dislodging some Igbo cultures and values. The aim of this paper is to carry out research into the state of the associations today and to suggest a way of revitalization. In doing this, both normative theory and descriptive method of analysing historical events shall be adopted. Secondary and oral interviews shall be relied upon. Eye witness account shall also be utilized. This paper is of the opinion that the government shall set up an advisory committee to study the pre-colonial dispute management mechanism of various ethnic groups in Nigeria. This will enable the nation to reduce the frequent conflict explosions in the country.