Traditional Justice System in Edda, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, 1800 – 1903.

Student: Bridget Chinenyenwa Ajamba (Project, 2025)
Department of History and International Studies
University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State

Abstract

ABSTRACT This research explores the Traditional Justice System in Edda, Ebonyi State, Nigeria from 1800 to 1903. By examining the pre-colonial era, this study reveals the indigenous mechanisms, practices, and methods employed by the Edda people to resolve disputes, address wrongdoings and maintain social order. It highlights the roles of Traditional Institutions and offices like; Atamata, Egbela, Village heads, Age grade groups, community assemblies, Achinze Ikpe and the Osisioma, in upholding the Customs, Policies and Laws of Edda. This research explores and investigates the structure and functioning, including dispute resolution mechanisms, and punishment practices in pre-colonial Edda Traditional Legal settings. By employing a qualitative method research approach, analyzing primary sources including Oral Tradition, reports from archives, Journals with interviews from the people of Edda, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the Edda Traditional Justice Systems by shedding light on the restorative and rehabilitative nature of these systems and emphasizing reconciliation and reintegration over punishment, thus, contributing immensely to an understanding of Nigeria's indigenous legal traditions and cultural history before the emergence of the colonial administrators.

Keywords
traditional justice justice administration research on tradition igboland pre-colonial indigenous edda land
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