THE ROLE OF TRADITIONAL RULERS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES IN IGBO LAND

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

This study is to identify the role of traditional rulers in development of local communities in igbo land with particular reference to Nnewi south local government Area of Anambra state.

The present Nnewi south local government which came into effect after Babangida administration has total population of 134,110 people. These comprises 65,974 male and 68,136 female (source national population commission Nnewi south (L.G.A) The local government is made up of ten autonomous communities, compeising Ukpor, which is the headquarter, Osumenyi, Amichi, Ezanifite, Ebenator utuh unubi, Ekwulumili, Akwaihedi and Azigbo. The area is occupied by majority of traders, farmers, Artisans and government workers.

According to Okonkwo (1972) the significance of Ozo title in igbo society are many. He said that Ozo is a man of substances in traditional igbo society. Once you have taken “Ozo” title in your “Umunna” (kindred) that is they will have regard on you and respect you. Once you attain to those position, you have the virtual political and economic function to perform in your umunna. In Nnewi south, the ozo title holders are referred to as Ndi Eze. They are well honour and respected. These Ndi eze gives advises to the traditional rulers for effective administration. In traditional igbo society, we have what is called “Ofo” this ofo is inform of wooden materials, it is being held by the oldest man in the most senior family. It is a symbol of authority given to them as together staff of office. It will not be taken away from that family unless that most eldest dies. Also there is constitution that guides community. Anybody in the community area should be judged according to the constitution of the community on the gravity of his/her defects/offence.

Traditional rulers do exist in one form or the other in what later became known as Nigeria before the colonial period. They were well respected by their subject Obekpa (2000) states that of his ancestors occupies the throne or a stool of an area and who has been appointed to it in accordance with the customs and tradition of the area and who has traditional authority over the people of that area or any other person appointed by instrument and order of government to exercise traditional authority over the area or a tribe in the state recognized as such by the government of a state. Every community which manages public affairs is described as administrative section, their duty is to administer justices, an oath sacrament relief, a remedy, a punishment etc. this situation mellowed with the coming of British colonialists. When the British colonist arrived they lacked tool, with which to work. They lacked human and material resources to maintain law and order which was imperative for their trade. The colonialist was compelled with circumstances to used the existing system of administration which they found especially in Northern and western part o Nigeria. The colonist introduced rule system in which the enlisted to service of the powerful emirs in the North and aristocatic base in the west. The administration in the Eastern part of the country was executed by the warrant chiefs.

Nwankwo(1990) stated that indirect rule was an aspect of the British administrative system or policy aimed at ruling her colonies in west African through the Native rulers. Through the indirect, the Emirs, Obas and warrant chiefs becomes the instrument through which the colonial masters carried out their administration in Nigeria. The traditional rulers and prestige, power and could sent people to prison if they misbehave. They also can order their subject to yawn for them and could make life miserable for people who challenge their power. The role of traditional rulers in the development of a community is concern with apply the rules and procedures and policies already determined in a way that will allow the accomplishment of defined common objectives in an organizational setting. The development of community might come in form of building halls, schools, markets, churches, construction of roads, supply of electricity, water and telephones, awards of scholarship to the less privileged or poor people. It is imperative to every traditional ruler of any town should have a positive role to play in development of his community.

• STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Good leadership is necessary in the administration and development of communities. Unfortunately because of the economic situation in the country and corruption in the society, the traditional rulers according to (Okeke 1998) are not contributing anything to the administration and development of their communities in Igbo land. For the fact that many people are migrating from rural areas to urban areas due to the rate of development in their former place, those questions call to mind-

1. The appointment of traditional rulers, is not by merit in terms of integrity
2. The appointment of traditional rulers, is not trustworthy

• The appointment of traditional rulers, is not by old age

1. The appointment of traditional rulers, is by political infulance.
   • THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The general purpose of this works is to examine the role of traditional rulers in the development o local communities and the specific purposes are:

1. To analysis the role of the traditional rulers in the administration of ruler communities.
2. To examine the role of traditional rulers in the development of their communities.

• To examine how the traditional rulers would increase their effort in the development of their rulers community.

• RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The following research questions were formulated for the study

1. What role does traditional rulers play in the administration and development of their community.
2. What are the role of traditional rulers in the administration and development of the community.

• What ways can the traditional rulers use to increase their effort in the development of their communities.
  • STATEMENT OF HYPOTHESES

1. Ho: There are no roles of traditional rulers in the administration and development of the community.
2. Hi: There are roles of traditional rulers in the administration and development of the community.

• There are no suggestion on how to increase the efforts of traditional rulers in the development of the community.

1. Hi: There are some suggestion on how to increase the effort of traditional rulers in the development of the community.
   • THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

The classical theory, also known as the traditional theory of organization or management has been used as the analytical tool for this work because the tenets of this theory tie with the work in question. This theory was propounded by Fredrick C. Taylor, Henry Fayol, Max Weber, L. Urwick, James C. Mooney and Reiley and Brech in the LATE 19^TH and early part of the 20^th century. This theory views the organization in terms of its purpose and formal structure. It places emphasis on the planning of work, the technical requirement of the organization and logical behavior. It was thought a clear understanding of the purpose of the organization works and how its methods of working can be improved. Identification of general objectives would lead to the clarification of purposes and responsibilities at the levels of the organization and to the most effective structure. The classical writers paid attention to the division of works, the clear definition of duties and responsibilities maintaining specialization and co-ordiance. They laid emphasis on hierarchy of management and formal organizational relationships. The classical  writers were concerned with improving the organization structure as a means of increasing efficiency. The laid emphasis on importance of principle for the design of a logical structure of organization. They saw these principle as a set of rules offering general solutions to common problem of organization and management.

Relating the tenets of the role of traditional rulers in development of local communities will improve the political individuals policies of indegines of the communities.

1.6. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This research work which analysis the role of traditional rulers in the development of communities in Igbo land has its significance.

1. The research will help the government in policy making.
2. The research will be beneficial to the student of public administration.

• The research will also be used as a strategy for improvement in development of communities.

1.7. SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study is back on traditional rulers in the development in the local communities in Anambra state with particular reference to Nnewi south local government Area.

1.8. LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

In the course of writing this research, we encountered some problems.

1. Lack of materials to use for the research writing.
2. Lack of time and finance for transport and procurement of necessary marterials.

• Lack of access to traditional rulers.

1.9. DEFINITION OF TERMS

For the purpose clarity, it is suppose at this juncture to give the contextual meaning of some words and vernacular in this study. They are as follows.

VIRTUE: Behaviour that show high moral standard.

EXPERT: To use or apply a quality skill and pressure.

DEFECTS: Fault. Imperfection

TRADITIONAL RULER: A person who by virtue of his ancestry occupies the throne or a stool of an area.

INDIRECT RULE: Controls and leadership by one country over other with a group.

ALU: Abomination.

COERCIVE: An expression of intervention to punish, hurt or harm by use of force.

NDI NZE: Name given to people that hold ozo title.

DEVELOPMENT: A multi-dimensional process involving major changes in social structures.

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