SOURCE:

Faculty: Arts
Department: Igbo, African & Chinese Studies

CONTRIBUTORS:

Isidienu, C. I.
Ogugua, P.

ABSTRACT:

This study focuses on Igbo traditional justice system as a means of societal control. Justice is the quality of being fair, honest and equitable in handling things and making decisions. It is conforming to moral uprightness both in action and behaviour. There are different unbecoming kinds of behaviours such as murder, kidnapping, incest, theft and so on, prevalent in human society including Igbo societies and communities in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State. These behaviours that are unacceptable hamper peace, love and progress in the society. It also creates tension and problems in social, political and religious spheres. The study therefore examines the Igbo native justice system as enshrined in Igbo culture and derived from Igbo cultural heritage by way of traditions, custom and Igbo philosophy that serve as a way of controlling society. Part of the concern of this study is to find out what constitutes justice in communities in Oyi Local Government Area and how much version of Igbo native justice system will be a basis for social control. The study also investigates various agencies by which justice is maintained. It also seeks just punishment for unwarranted behaviours and ensures fair and impartial treatment. The focus is therefore to discourage crime that will eventually breed a harmonious living in the society. The research also reviews related literature and relevant materials. It adopted a descriptive research design and enlists its population from the five towns in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State. The researcher adopted the use of questionnaire, oral interview and observation as the instrument for data collection. The analysis was based on the natural law theory. The research portrays the system of justice in Igbo land with particular reference to the communities in Oyi Local Government Area. Findings show that through excommunication, penalties for abominable acts among others; justice acts as a means of societal control for peaceful co-existence. The result will serve as a veritable means of sanitizing the society thereby protecting and prolonging Igbo cultural heritage. From the suggestion it also allows Igbo people a choice to embrace their native justice system in resolving any given conflict situation. The conclusion portrayed the idea that justice is natural to man hence they often refer to the idea of the golden rule which is “do unto others as you would like them do unto you”.