This paper focuses on the socio-political and economic issues involved in the production of oil producing and non-oil producing communities as categories of identification in Nigeria. Using Ilaje people of Ondo State as a case, this paper, through qualitative methods of study, examines the factors of history, elite politics, and the state in identity formulation and the effects which the construction of the “other” among a supposed homogeneous group has on the existing forms of social relationship. It is established from the study that though the advantage of the oil producing community identity is utilized to attain political and economic height, the identity remains subordinate to a much larger and inclusive Ilaje identity. Generally, this paper is a reflection on how identity is manipulated even in the local context to suit competition for resources. It discusses the cultural creation of space and its hegemonization in quest of making exclusive and optimum advantage of resource in the space. The paper concludes that even when the spatial differentiation is yet to generate any remarkable conflict, the feelings of “oneness” appears to have been sufficiently weakened.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The study area
Identity construction in space
The historical context of Mahin-Ugbo rivalry
OPC Identity and the production of a politico-economic elite
OPC Identity in the context of state ideology on oil producing areas
The impact of OPC identity on group cohesion
The Reality of Ilaje Identity
Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper examines how the construction of "oil producing" and "non-oil producing" community identities among the Ilaje people of Nigeria is manipulated for political and economic gain. It investigates how this spatial differentiation, influenced by the state and political elites, impacts social cohesion within a historically homogeneous group.
- The socio-political construction of identity in the Niger Delta.
- The role of political elites in exploiting spatial dichotomies for resource control.
- The impact of state-driven development interventions on local social relations.
- The fluidity of identity between "pan-Ilaje" and "oil-producing community" labels.
- Historical context of the Mahin-Ugbo rivalry as a driver for identity politics.
Excerpt from the Book
Identity construction in space
Often associated with identity formulation is the idea of space (the locale and domain of identity). For instance, the oil producing community identity is expected to be located within the oil producing communities, a space made unique by the act of resource extraction and physical boundaries. An identity borne in relation to an oil producing community is thus formulated on the basis of a people occupying a resource-defined space. Such identity, by implication, should exclude individuals living immediately outside the oil producing communities. “Outsiders” are on that account kept out from the socio-political and economic gains or losses that accrue to the identity. However, the bearers of the oil producing community identity may deliberately subsume it under a much larger identity which encompasses individuals and groups outside the resource-defined space but with whom common ancestry is borne (Ololajulo, 2006). This scenario is further made possible when there is a rival group inhabiting a space that falls outside the resource space. In this circumstance, the identity, rather than being defined strictly in terms of physical/geographical bounds or a resource space may, therefore, be specified wholly by sociocultural parameters. With political and economic power becoming more associated with the oil producing community identity, there is a tendency for tension to be building up in local areas on account of resource-defined spatial differentiation, especially if operation areas of oil companies are disputed.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Outlines the struggle for control of oil resources in the Niger Delta and introduces the "oil producing community" nomenclature as a factor in local identity politics.
The study area: Provides the geographical, environmental, and demographic context of the Ilaje local government area in Ondo State.
Identity construction in space: Explores how identities are formulated based on resource-defined spaces and the inclusion/exclusion dynamics this creates.
The historical context of Mahin-Ugbo rivalry: Examines the long-standing political competition between the Mahin and Ugbo subgroups within the Ilaje community.
OPC Identity and the production of a politico-economic elite: Analyzes how the "oil producing" identity is used by political elites to secure and legitimize power.
OPC Identity in the context of state ideology on oil producing areas: Discusses how state policies and intervention agencies perpetuate identity divisions to maintain social structures.
The impact of OPC identity on group cohesion: Evaluates how the artificial division into resource-based categories weakens traditional social solidarity.
The Reality of Ilaje Identity: Reaffirms the foundational Ilaje identity despite ongoing efforts to manipulate subgroup affiliations.
Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings, arguing that identity manipulation is a tool for elite self-preservation that risks creating long-term social instability.
Keywords
Nigeria, oil producing community, identity manipulation, resource competition, Ilaje, Niger Delta, Mahin, Ugbo, political elite, state ideology, social cohesion, spatial differentiation, socio-economic benefits, development intervention, identity politics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this paper?
The paper examines the socio-political and economic construction of "oil producing" and "non-oil producing" community identities among the Ilaje people of Nigeria.
What are the central themes of the study?
The central themes include identity negotiation, the influence of state policies on resource control, the role of political elites in fostering division, and the erosion of social cohesion within a historically unified group.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to understand how identity is manipulated in local contexts to gain competitive advantages in accessing political and economic resources related to oil exploitation.
Which methodology is utilized?
The study uses qualitative research methods, including in-depth interviews with key informants conducted during fieldwork, as well as the analysis of archival materials and secondary literature.
What does the main body cover?
The main body covers the historical Mahin-Ugbo rivalry, the spatial dimensions of identity, the influence of political elites, the role of intervention agencies (like NDDC and OSOPADEC), and the impact of these factors on group unity.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include Ilaje, identity manipulation, oil producing community, Niger Delta, resource competition, and political elite.
How does the Mahin-Ugbo rivalry specifically affect the Ilaje people?
The rivalry is exploited by political elites to claim "oil producing" status, which serves as a justification for exclusive access to state-funded development projects and political positions.
Why are the Mahin people bitter regarding their non-oil producing classification?
They view the categorization as an unjust political tool used by the Ugbo elite to exclude them from the economic benefits provided by oil companies and development commissions, despite their equal proximity to offshore operations.
Does the "oil producing" identity permanently replace the Ilaje identity?
No, the study concludes that while the "oil producing" identity is a powerful, temporary tool for resource appropriation, it remains subordinate to the broader, more deeply rooted Ilaje identity in the consciousness of the people.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Babajide Ololajulo (Autor:in), 2009, The Oil Producing Community Identity in Nigeria: A Politico-economic Resource, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/174563
