INFLUENCE OF MODERNITY ON CHIEFTAINCY SELECTION PROCESSES AND CONFLICT IN ILAJE-UGBO KINGDOM, ONDO STATE, NIGERIA, 1952 – 2010

Abstract

Modern values and structures imposed by colonial rule on chieftaincy selection processes in Ilaje-Ugbo Kingdom created a myriad of conflicts. The introduction of father-to-son inheritance principle created ruptures in the selection processes. Existing studies have focused on various forms of disputes in the chieftaincy institutions with little attention paid to modernity and the heightened spate of conflicts in chieftaincy selection processes in the Kingdom. This study was therefore, to examine the nature of chieftaincy selection processes, the influence of modernity on the selection, the mechanisms for conflict resolution and the nexus between modernity, chieftaincy selection processes and identity. Giddens’ Modernity and Gurr’s Relative Deprivation Theories were adopted as the framework, while case study design was utilised. Primary and secondary data were used. Twelve communities from the six political wards of Ugbo Kingdom involved in the chieftaincy selection conflict were purposively sampled. Primary data were collected through five key selected informants of four traditional rulers and the deposed Olugbo. Twenty one in-depth interviews were conducted with twelve Baales and one each of Olori Ebi, Head of Oro Cult, Abojutoro, Osomolu, Secretary Ilaje Local Government, Chairman Ilaje Local Government, Commissioner for Chieftaincy, House Committee on Chieftaincy and the Head of Cherubim and Seraphim Church who served as source of spiritual guidance to contestants for Olugbo’s throne. Seven Focus Group Discussions of eight participants each were conducted with the Olugbo-In-Council, elders of Erunna, Idiogba, Ebijimi, Ojumole, Ikorigho and Awoye communities. Secondary data were obtained from newspaper reports, court judgements and national archive in Ibadan. Data were content analysed. The Oja system of selection was adopted in the pre-modern era, while the political governance structure was used in the modern era. The institution of father-son-principle of succession put in place during colonial era was the source of the chieftaincy selection conflict. Modernity heightened the conflicts with the creation of Colonial Native Authority, restriction of chieftaincy selection to the hands of few kingmakers, which in turn made the processes susceptible to manipulation. Modern approaches to conflict resolution which included the court system, commissions of enquiry, provided window for appeals whereas, ifa divination which was used to settle dispute in pre-modern era did not give room for appeals. The interface of oil economy and modern religion with the selection processes, and the inheritance principle of succession generated identity conflict. The chieftaincy selection in Ugbo Kingdom has undergone changes and adaptations with the introduction of father-to-son inheritance principle as against the succession principle of rotation, as well as relegation of the Oja system and promotion of the kingmakers in the selection processes. Hybridisation of the Oja system with the modern government structures and adoption of succession principle of rotation were recommended to strengthen chieftaincy selection processes in the modern Ugbo Kingdom.