Doing Justice Without the State: The Afikpo (Ehugbo) Nigeria Model (African Studies: History, Politics, Economics and Culture)

This study examines the principles and practices of the Afikpo (Eugbo) Nigeria indigenous justice system in contemporary times. Like most African societies, the Afikpo indigenous justice system employs restorative, transformative and communitarian principles in conflict resolution. Indigenous social and political institutions that function as channels for conflict resolution and justice are examined. The Afikpo indigenous justice system's continued perceived popularity and legitimacy are discussed, as is the basis of the system's co-examined. The Afikpo indigenous justice system' continued perceived popularity and legitimacy are discussed, as is the basis of the system's co-existence with the Nigerian state agencies for conflict resolution. The Afikpo indigenous is functional, effective, unique, democratic and allows for the participation of all community members. In line with its egalitarian world views, crime is viewed as a conflict between community members. As the primary stakeholders in the conflict, victims, offenders, and the community are actively involved in the definition of harm and the crafting of solutions acceptable to all stakeholders. The quality and effectiveness of justice are measured through the well-being of victims and the community members. Justice making is also an opportunity for the re-evaluation of community values and socio-economic conditions. The Afikpo indigenous justice system is victim-centered, humane and applies persuasive and re-integrative principles in adjudicating justice. Front cover 1 Table of Contents 8 List of Figures 10 Foreword: The Case for Traditional Jurisprudence in a Modern Nigerian Setting 12 Preface 16 Chapter One. Introduction 22 Chapter Two. Restorative Justice: Theoretical Perspectives 38 Chapter Three. The Custom/Law Debate in the African Context 66 Chapter Four. Nigeria in Post-Colonial Africa 96 Chapter Five. Historical Overview of Afikpo Town 118 Chapter Six. Indigenous Institutions of Conflict Resolution in Afikpo 138 Chapter Seven. Afikpo Women and the Traditional Justice System 168 Chapter Eight. Responding to Breach of Custom/ Regulations and Other Offenses 202 Appendix: Research Methods 246 Notes 260 Selected Bibliography 268 Index 280 Back cover 282 This study examines the principles and practices of the Afikpo (Eugbo) Nigeria indigenous justice system in contemporary times. Like most African societies, the Afikpo indigenous justice system employs restorative, transformative and communitarian principles in conflict resolution. This book describes the processes of community empowerment, participatory justice system and how regular institutions of society that provide education, social and economic support are also effective in early intervention in disputes and prevention of conflicts. Like most African societies, the Afikpo indigenous justice system employs restorative, transformative, and communitarian principles in conflict resolution. This study examines the principles and practices of the Afikpo (Eugbo) Nigeria indigenous justice system This study examines the principles and practices of the Afikpo (Ehugbo) Nigeria indigenous justice system in contemporary times.