JOURNALS

ABSTRACT

The Igbo people of south-east Nigeria have a unique system of governance that marks them out from other African societies. The Igbo system of governance starts from the family and stretches to the larger society. This system of governance, which is fast eroding in modern Igbo society created an enabling environment for unity, peace and tranquility. Conflicts are easily and amicably resolved through a laid down system involving various institutions by which the Igbo govern themselves. Amicable resolution of conflict gives room for peace, progress and development in the society. Recently, the Igbo traditional system of governance has experienced a major setback, because of that, most people experience chaotic situations in political, social, economic and religious lives. It is, therefore, necessary to reawaken the Igbo system of governance which held the society together; and enabled them to experience growth and development. Data for the study was got mainly through oral interview. Fifteen Igbo elders knowledgeable in the Igbo system of governance were randomly selected from some Igbo communities and interviewed. Three research questions guided the study, which are: (1) What do we mean by Igbo traditional system of governance? (2) In what ways did the Igbo people govern themselves in the past? (3) How did the Igbo traditional system of governance serve as a means for peace keeping and conflict resolution? It was found out that, the Igbo system of governance was based on quasi-democratic republican system of government. The above system bound the traditional Igbo communities together and guaranteed egalitarianism through the appropriate deployment of organized institutions. By this system of governance that ensures equity for the Igbo citizenry, the Igbo society experienced peace and societal advancement. The paper, therefore, advocates the return of the Igbo traditional system of governance for the modern Igbo society to reap the gains of the system.