An Assessment of the Modes of Execution of Judgement Under Nigerian Customary Law

ABSTRACT Nigerian societies and indeed, African societies had their laws for the effective governance of their respective societies before the advent of the colonial government. In the same vein, they had their judicial system for the administration of their societies which is the customary judicial system. The imposition of colonial govenment came with a new process of government, law and judicial system different in form and procedure from the African law and judicial system. However, the African laws and its judicial system were allowed to be administered alongside with the English laws in as much as they are not repugnant to natural justice, good conscience and equity. Customary judicial system does not only resolve conflict but also provides means of executing the decision reached. This means of execution varies from one community to the other. In the light of the above, the research shall assess the modes of execution of judgement under Nigerian customary law. The research shall be divided into five different chapters. Chapter one shall be devoted to the introduction of the work. Chapter two shall examine the concept of law, meaning and characteristics of customary law. This chapter shall also examine the legal regime for customary arbitration in Nigeria.Chapter three shall x-ray adjudication under customary law in Nigeria. Chapter four examines the modes of executing judgement under customary arbitration. Chapter five shall conclude the research and thereafter proffer useful recommendations for reformation of the law in Nigeria.