INTRA-SECTARIAN CONFLICT MANAGEMENT MECHANISMS AMONG WORSHIPPERS OF IGBE ORHE IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Intra-sectarian religious conflicts and violence are on the increase across the globe. Whereas some have been successfully managed, others seem to have defied solution. Existing studies have focused on the management of intra-sectarian conflicts especially among world religions such as Judaism, Christianity and Islam, with little attention paid to monotheistic non-Abrahamic religions especially in Africa. This study, therefore, examined the management of intra-sectarian conflict among the adherents of Igbe Orhe, a monotheistic non-Abrahamic religion in Delta State, Nigeria with a view to investigating the causes, patterns and dimensions, conflict handling styles and challenges associated with the management mechanisms. John Hicks’ theory of Religious Pluralism and Jeremy Bentham’s Utilitarianism Principle were used as framework for analysis, while case study research design was utilised. Primary data were collected with thirty five key informant interviews purposively selected: thirteen Inori (Chief Priests), eight Ini Igbe (Chief Priestesses), six lay adherents, four community leaders, two customary court registrars, two police officers and the head of reconciliation and reunification sub-committee of the religion. Eighteen in-depth interviews were conducted with one Ose Isi (Supreme Leader), nine Uku (Parish High Priests), and eight Emete Uku (Parish High Priestesses). A total of three focus group discussions comprising eight members each, were held with the youth, men and women of Igbe Orhe. Non-participant observation of mediation and religious arbitration methods were carried out. Secondary data consisted of relevant literature. Data were content-analysed using descriptive and narrative styles. Springing up of splinter groups, deviation from the original doctrines of the founder, influence of western modernity, monopoly over ordination into the priesthood system, betrayal of trust by leadership, insubordination, poaching of members, were identified as major causes of intra-sectarian conflict among adherents. Misrepresentation of Igbe Orhe through false publications, inadequate distribution of food and drinks during the celebration of religious festivals were also discovered as other causes of intra-sectarian conflict among the adherents of Igbe Orhe. The dominant patterns of conflict outcomes in Igbe Orhe were non-violent because of a dominant orientation of sectarian pluralism. The conflict dimensions included schisms, non-recognition of any Uku or Omote Uku not ordained by Ose Isi (Supreme Leader), selective attendance of feasts and feeling of social exclusion. Igbe Orhe has an integrated conflict management mechanism built around negotiation, mediation, religious arbitration and adjudication which usually transformed the conflicts. Rigidity, arbitrariness in decision making, lack of adequate training in conflict management skills were identified as the major challenges in Igbe Orhe. Igbe Orhe has potent and efficient intra-sectarian conflict management mechanisms. However, the practitioners needs to be flexible, more accommodating in its conflict management approaches and open to new conflict management skills.