Engaging in African Ethnographic Voice: Okonko Society Conflict Management Model

Sola Olorunyomi () and Ugo Aniga ()
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Sola Olorunyomi: Teaches Cultural and Media Studies in the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan
Ugo Aniga: Don Bosco Institute

A chapter in Peace Studies for Sustainable Development in Africa, 2022, pp 645-661 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract Ethnographic research entails anthropological discourses. In other words, ethnographical research focuses on the study of human societies and cultures and their development. This is because anthropology is interested in the study of many aspects of humans within past and contemporary societies. In the light of this, ethnographic research is basically qualitative method driven, applying the use of primary data involving in-depth interview, focus group discussion, and either participant or non-participant observation technique. These qualitative research method instruments ensure that dependable data are derived. However, for better results and reliability, quantitative method instruments could still be applied. A questionnaire is an example of a quantitative instrument. While ethnographic research can be conducted wholly using qualitative research methods, it is impossible to do so entirely with quantitative research. In other words, the paper argues that ethnographic research is anthropological and therefore disposed to qualitative methods since language, culture, acculturation, rites, and religious rituals are involved. But that for greater interrogation, the science of systematic empirical investigation in numerical form and which employs statistical analysis may still be of importance. Ọkọnkọ society being studied serves as both mediator and adjudicator in southern Igbo in Nigeria. Ọkọnkọ serves as a cultural enforcement mechanism against community crises. Because of its cultural authority, Okonko is able to check crimes in the society and disciplines persons of questionable conduct. The ọmụ (palm frond) and uhie (drum) are the emblems and language of Ọkọnkọ society. The ọmụ symbolizes authority while uhie represents the society’s symbol of communication.

Keywords: Ethnography; Language and culture; Okonko society; Southern Igbo; Nigeria (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-92474-4_48

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