Victor Ntui Atom, (Ph.D.),
Department of history and African Civilizations | University of Buea | atom.victor@ubuea.cm | (+237) 676 727 334
The study examines indigenous institutions and mechanisms used in resolving conflicts amongst the Ejagham in Cameroon and Nigeria. It argues that, the
Ejagham have had well-structured indigenous systems that had an elbowing influence in the resolution of conflicts and the maintenance of peace and
harmonious relations amongst them. Such institutions if re-appropriated could serve as a base for modern dispute settlement on the content especially today where lasting peace has become hard to achieve amongst former warring groups. Using the historical research method which prioritizes archival and oral sources, the study reveals that, through institutions like the Okwa Court, Ma Awu, Atu-ofam (Council of elders), Ekan (age grades) and traditional associations like Ngbe and Ekpa, conflict resolution was effective and attained substantial results. The implication of certain mechanisms like evocation of oral histories, kingship systems, joking relations, respect for men/women elders, age sets, blood brotherhood and folklore provided consensus and maintained ethnic cohesion which saw the actual resolution of conflicts amongst the people. It concludes that, the success of traditional institutions of conflict resolution emanated from the people’s respect and impulse for institutional values, social harmony, solidarity and ethnic cohesion.
Keywords: Conflict Resolution, Cameroon, Ejagham, Nigeria, Traditional Mechanisms
