Indigenous Methods of Conflict Resolution in Oron During the Pre-Colonial Era.

Abstract

Some Eurocentric writers asserted that African societies before the coming of European were perpetually at war with itself, “It had no movement or development to exhibit”. But historical evidence abound that such views were erroneous without verifiable historical fact. Like other parts of African societies, the Oron pre-colonial era had ways and means by which they settled conflicts which arose among them whether in their families or in the course of interactions with one another in larger settings. The people devised means to live in peace and harmony with each other by reducing injustice and settled disagreements through their indigenous methods of conflict resolution. This paper examined the various methods of conflict resolution during the pre-colonial period and drew from both primary and secondary sources. These sources were interrogated through critical and analytical method for historical reconstruction. The study found out that the adoption of indigenous methods such as their different units of political organization and administration, socio-cultural milieu and religious belief system in conflict resolution facilitated peaceful coexistence, unity and development of the society. It therefore, concluded that rather than fanned the embers of war or promote occurrence of conflict, deliberate efforts were adopted to enhanced cordial relationship, through fair play and confidence in the people and about their society.