Traditional institutions are formed to play a vital role in the society, this research work examines "the role/impact of the traditional institution to the development of Iyah-Gbede, Ijumu land of Kogi state, 1976-2019". This paper is an attempt to examine how the various components of the traditional institutions has play their role in the development of the Iyah-Gbede community in Kogi state with little or no government assistance. It aims to showcase the relevance of the pre-colonial institutions in the modern day.
In the view of Ayeni as man gradually evolved into sophisticated beings and a settled lifestyle, engaged in socio-political organizations, it was only natural that they developed distinct political cultures and institutions, which in turn influenced development and growth in their locality. By these institutions, they were able to control social vices through their cultures and the established rules and regulations laid down by their ancestors. The objectives of this study are to examine the origins of Iyah-Gbede, critically look at the structure and formation of Iyah-Gbede traditional institutions and to assess the role it has play in the development of the town from 1976-2019. The methodology of the research work entails the use of primary and secondary sources.
Information on African traditional institutions in the modern era is very scanty, especially when it comes to matter of security and development. Even, though most African nations like Nigeria still retain the traditional institutions, it however fail to give in any roles in the constitution.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
1.4 Scope of Study
1.5 Significance of Study
1.6 Limitations of the Study
1.6 Research Methodology
1.7 Literature Review
2. THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE OF IYAH-GBEDE
2.1 Geography and Location of Iyah-Gbede
2.2 Historical Origin of Iyah-Gbede
2.2.1 Ekuku Renamed Iyah-Gbede: How Iyah got it Name
2.2.2 Iyah-Gbede Loke (Old Site)
2.2.3 Iyah-Gbede Olodo (New site)
2.3 Political and Administrative Organization of the People of Iyah-Gbede
2.3.1 The Administrative Structure
2.3.2 Conflicts Resolution and Administrative Procedure
2.4 Cultural and Religious Organization of Iyah-Gbede
2.4.1 Epa Festival
2.4.2 Iroko, Irowo, Segede and Wogun
2.4.3 The Imole and Ofosi Cults
2.4.4 The Ogboni Fraternity
2.4.5 Christianity
2.4.6 Islam
2.5 Agriculture, Commerce and Industry in Iyah-Gbede
2.5.1 Commerce
2.5.2 Industry
3. HISTORY OF THE TRADITIONAL INSTITUTION IN IYAH-GBEDE
3.1 Traditional institutions in Iyah-Gbede
3.2 The Obaship position in Iyah-Gbede
3.2.1 Obaship succession in Iyah-Gbede
3.3 The Chieftaincy Institution
3.3.1 The Conferment of Chieftaincy Titles
3.4 The Gbarufu Class in Iyah-Gbede
3.5 The Social Behavior-Control and Disciplinary Procedure in Iyah-Gbede
3.5.1 Iyah-Gbede Hunter, Gbarufu and Social Control
3.5.2 The Dissemination of Information-The Town Crier
3.6 The Great Migration from the old Iyah-Gbede Site to the new Site
3.6.1 The Propulsion behind the Great Migration
3.6.2 The Politics of Relocation
3.6.3 Mission Accomplished
4. THE IMPACT AND ROLE OF THE TRADITIONAL INSTITUTION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF IYAH-GBEDE
4.1 Social and Cultural Impact of the Traditional Institution
4.2 Educational Impact of the Traditional Institution
4.2.1. The Primary School at the Old Site
4.2.2. The Primary School at the New Site
4.2.3. Gbede Baptist Secondary Commercial School
4.3 Iyah-Gbede Development Projects
4.3.1. The Market
4.3.2. Iyah-Gbede Health Center
4.3.3. Electricity Project in Iyah-Gbede
4.3.4. The Postal Agency
4.3.5. Roads and Iyah-Gbede Development
4.3.6. Iyah-Kabba-Ilorin Link Road
4.3.7. The Iyah-Gbede Community Town Hall
4.3.8. The Burial Ground Project
4.4 Challenges facing Traditional Institution in Iyah-Gbede
4.5 Remedy to the Challenges Facing Traditional Institution
5. GENERAL SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
5.1 Summary
5.2 Conclusion and Recommendation
Research Objectives and Themes
This research examines the role and impact of traditional institutions on the socio-economic development of Iyah-Gbede in Kogi State, Nigeria, from 1976 to 2019. It investigates how these enduring structures contribute to community growth, resolve conflicts, and influence modern administrative processes.
- Historical evolution of Iyah-Gbede and its traditional administrative structure.
- Role of the "Gbarufu" class and the "Obaship" institution in community governance.
- Impact of traditional institutions on local development projects (education, health, infrastructure).
- Challenges facing traditional rulers in contemporary Nigerian democratic society.
- Strategies for integrating traditional knowledge into modern governance frameworks.
Excerpt from the Book
3.6 The Great Migration from the old Iyah-Gbede Site to the new Site
I was told that the idea of moving from Iyah-Gbede to another location started like a joke. Through oral interviews and interactions with elderly members of the community, this researcher was told that at a gathering at the village square-ojudu-many years ago, that one late Pa Moses Odofin Ologe, a young man at that, suggested that it would be better if Iyah people move to another place due to the remote location of the old Iyah site. He further suggested that they should moved to Iyamerin or to integrate with other neighboring towns and villages. According to the story, he was shouted down and cursed for making such a wild suggestion.
However, sometimes in the fifties, the idea to relocate Iyah-Gbede to a new settlement or to move to other communities was rekindled by people like Mr. Abraham Abu Jemirin, Mr. John Fagbemi, Afolabi, Ikubanje, Femi Ayinmode and a few others. It was around this period that the need to relocate Iyah-Gbede to another site became apparent and started to generate more interest among members of Iyah-Gbede community, when those in the community who could afford to build a house or whose financial position have improved started to emigrate to a more cosmopolitan neighborhood. People were beginning to sense a danger that in the course of time, prominent citizens of Iyah-Gbede would have left Iyah-Gbede to settle in other places, especially in Aiyetoro-Gbede. The danger would be that those who would have been left behind would be indolent.
Summary of Chapters
INTRODUCTION: Establishes the historical basis of traditional institutions and outlines the research objectives regarding their relevance in modern Nigeria.
THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE OF IYAH-GBEDE: Describes the geographical, historical, and socio-political setting of Iyah-Gbede, including its administrative hierarchy and cultural practices.
HISTORY OF THE TRADITIONAL INSTITUTION IN IYAH-GBEDE: Explores the succession of the Obaship, the chieftaincy structure, and the complex process of the community's relocation to a new site.
THE IMPACT AND ROLE OF THE TRADITIONAL INSTITUTION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF IYAH-GBEDE: Analyzes the tangible contributions of traditional leaders and associations to education, health, and infrastructure development.
GENERAL SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: Recaps the research findings and proposes policy recommendations to empower traditional rulers for future community development.
Keywords
Tradition, Institutions, Traditional Institutions, Society, Organization, Development, Culture, Iyah-Gbede, Governance, Chieftaincy, Community Development, Administration, Migration, Obaship, Nigeria
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research examines the role and impact of traditional institutions in the development of Iyah-Gbede, Ijumu land, Kogi State, from 1976 to 2019.
What are the central themes covered in the study?
Key themes include the administrative structure of Iyah-Gbede, the role of chieftaincy in development, cultural organization, and the challenges traditional rulers face in a modern democratic environment.
What is the core research objective?
The objective is to assess the level of involvement of traditional institutions in socio-economic development and to determine if they remain relevant in contemporary Nigeria.
Which research methodology is applied?
The study adopts a qualitative approach, relying on a systematic review of secondary data, historical records, and interviews with community members.
What topics are analyzed in the main body?
The main body covers the history and geography of Iyah-Gbede, the administrative and chieftaincy systems, the community's great migration to a new site, and specific developmental projects like schools and health centers.
Which keywords define this work?
Key terms include Tradition, Institutions, Iyah-Gbede, Development, Governance, Chieftaincy, and Community Development.
What was the significance of the "Great Migration"?
The migration was a strategic move initiated by the community to ensure Iyah-Gbede remained a distinct, developing entity rather than disappearing into larger neighboring towns.
How do traditional rulers interact with modern governance in Iyah-Gbede?
They act as catalysts for development projects, mobilizing community resources where state or local government support is limited or insufficient.
- Quote paper
- Ibitomi Ibiwumi Otunola (Author), 2021, Traditional Institutions in Nigeria. The Role of the Traditional Institution to the Development of Iyah-Gbede, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1181445
