HARNESSING IGBA NDU (COVENANT MAKING) AMONG THE IGBO AS A MODEL FOR CONFLICT MANAGEMENT IN TRADITIONAL AFRICA

Abstract

African traditional communities struggle to manage conflict due to complex cultural, social, and historical variables. Indigenous belief systems and cultural traditions may help resolve conflicts. Igbandu, or covenant making, may be a conflict management model. This study examined igbandu as a conflict management model in African traditional beliefs and societies. It investigated the historical relevance, cultural background, and practical applications of Igba Ndu in dispute resolution and social cohesiveness. The qualitative study examined igbandu's cultural and spiritual aspects using ethnographic approaches. To understand covenant making, community people, traditional leaders, and religious practitioners were interviewed semi-structured. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups
with community residents, traditional leaders, and religious practitioners collected data. These methodologies enabled for in-depth investigation of participants' igbandu and conflict management viewpoints and experiences. Data analysis used thematic coding of interview transcripts and focus group talks to find igbandu and conflict management themes and trends. Igbandu prevents and reconciles conflict among African traditional beliefs and communities, according to the study. The practice is rooted in culture and spirituality, and covenant violations result in inexplicable illness, untimely death, infertility, affliction, curses, retrogression, and life crises. The research suggests promoting igbandu as a conflict management strategy and integrating traditional practices into formal conflict resolution methods. Traditional and modern conflict mitigation institutions should collaborate to conserve and adapt indigenous approaches to modern conflict concerns. Igbandu provides conflict management concepts and techniques for African traditional beliefs and communities, according to the study.