This study is to identify the role of traditional rulers in the development of local communities in igbo land with particular reference to Oyi local government Area of Anambra state.
The present Oyi local government which came into effect after Babangida administration has total population of 134,110 people. These comprises 65,974 male and 68,136 female (source national population commission Oyi south (L.G.A) The local government is made up of ten autonomous communities, compeising Ukpor, which is the headquarter, Osumenyi, Amichi, Ezanifite, Ebenator utuh unubi, Ekwulumili, Akwaihedi and Azigbo. The area is occupied by majority of traders, farmers, Artisans and government workers.
According to Okonkwo (1972) the significance of Ozo title in igbo society are many. He said that Ozo is a man of substances in traditional igbo society. Once you have taken “Ozo” title in your “Umunna” (kindred) that is they will have regard on you and respect you. Once you attain to those position, you have the virtual political and economic function to perform in your umunna. In Oyi south, the ozo title holders are referred to as Ndi Eze. They are well honour and respected. These Ndi eze gives advises to the traditional rulers for effective administration. In traditional igbo society, we have what is called “Ofo” this ofo is inform of wooden materials, it is being held by the oldest man in the most senior family. It is a symbol of authority given to them as together staff of office. It will not be taken away from that family unless that most eldest dies. Also there is constitution that guides Anambra. Anybody in the Anambra area should be judged according to the constitution of the Anambra on the gravity of his/her defects/offence.
Traditional rulers do exist in one form or the other in what later became known as Nigeria before the colonial period. They were well respected by their subject Obekpa (2000) states that of his ancestors occupies the throne or a stool of an area and who has been appointed to it in accordance with the customs and tradition of the area and who has traditional authority over the people of that area or any other person appointed by instrument and order of government to exercise traditional authority over the area or a tribe in the state recognized as such by the government of a state. Every Anambra which manages public affairs is described as administrative section, their duty is to administer justices, an oath sacrament relief, a remedy, a punishment etc. this situation mellowed with the coming of British colonialists. When the British colonist arrived they lacked tool, with which to work. They lacked human and material resources to maintain law and order which was imperative for their trade. The colonialist was compelled with circumstances to used the existing system of administration which they found especially in Northern and western part o Nigeria. The colonist introduced rule system in which the enlisted to service of the powerful emirs in the North and aristocatic base in the west. The administration in the Eastern part of the country was executed by the warrant chiefs.
Nwankwo(1990) stated that indirect rule was an aspect of the British administrative system or policy aimed at ruling her colonies in west African through the Native rulers. Through the indirect, the Emirs, Obas and warrant chiefs becomes the instrument through which the colonial masters carried out their administration in Nigeria. The traditional rulers and prestige, power and could sent people to prison if they misbehave. They also can order their subject to yawn for them and could make life miserable for people who challenge their power. The role of traditional rulers in the development of a Anambra is concern with apply the rules and procedures and policies already determined in a way that will allow the accomplishment of defined common objectives in an organizational setting. The development of Anambra might come in form of building halls, schools, markets, churches, construction of roads, supply of electricity, water and telephones, awards of scholarship to the less privileged or poor people. It is imperative to every traditional ruler of any town should have a positive role to play in development of his Anambra.
Good leadership is necessary in the administration and development of communities. Unfortunately because of the economic situation in the country and corruption in the society, the traditional rulers according to (Okeke 1998) are not contributing anything to the administration and development of their communities in Igbo land. For the fact that many people are migrating from rural areas to urban areas due to the rate of development in their former place, those questions call to mind-
The following research questions were formulated for the study
The general purpose of this works is to examine the role of traditional rulers in the development of local communities and the specific purposes are:
1.6. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This research which analyses the role of traditional rulers in the development of communities in Igbo land has its significance.
1.7. SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The study is on the traditional rulers in the development in the local communities in Anambra state with particular reference to Oyi south local government Area.
1.8. LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
In the course of writing this research, we encountered some problems.
1.9. DEFINITION OF TERMS
For the purpose clarity, it is suppose at this juncture to give the contextual meaning of some words and vernacular in this study. They are as follows.
VIRTUE: Behaviour that show high moral standard.
EXPERT: To use or apply a quality skill and pressure.
DEFECTS: Fault. Imperfection
TRADITIONAL RULER: A person who by virtue of his ancestry occupies the throne or a stool of an area.
INDIRECT RULE: Controls and leadership by one country over other with a group.
ALU: Abomination.
COERCIVE: An expression of intervention to punish, hurt or harm by use of force.
NDI NZE: Name given to people that hold ozo title.
DEVELOPMENT: A multi-dimensional process involving major changes in social structures.