Matrilineality and Conflict Resolution Mechanisms Among the Cross River Igbo of Nigeria

This book represents the culmination of three years of rigorous doctoral research and comprehensive fieldwork on conflict resolution among the matrilineal Cross River Igbo of Nigeria from pre-colonial times to 1996. It explained matrilineaty and reveals how these communities developed unique institutions for resolving family, social, political, religious, and communal disputes systems that were resilient even in the face of colonial rule, modern courts, and faith-based interventions. The book stresses that although these communities are matrilineal, leadership remained in the hands of men, with women excluded from core judicial roles. The book also uncovers how colonial influence gave rise to chieftaincy, religious conflicts, as well as delay and capital- intensive processes in conflict resolution processes that continue to shape the region. By examining both continuity and change, the book examines the strengths and weaknesses of both indigenous and alien institutions and processes of conflict resolution mechanisms and proposes an all-inclusive hybrid model of conflict resolution for today's diverse societies. Furthermore, the time frame of this book is significant: the pre-colonial period represents fully indigenous institutions and processes of conflict resolution mechanisms, while 1996 was the year that the government resolved a prolonged conflict in the area under review using traditional and alien institutions.