European Missionaries and Traditional Institutions: A Clash of Two Cultures

Abstract

One of the most important traditional institutions which performed various functions in the communities of South-Eastern Nigeria before the advent of European Missionaries was Ekpe institution. The functions of Ekpe were so pervasive that its influence could hardly have gone unnoticed by the European Missionaries. Although the latter had co-operated with Ekpe members and used the institution to advance their cause, but the early romance turned sour. Hence, the European Missionaries gradually launched attack on Ekpe institution and this consequently led to the modification of the role of Ekpe.