AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE EVOLUTION OF THE OCH'IDOMA CHIEFTAINCY INSTITUTION 1946-2022

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Kinship, referred to as OCH'IDOMA in Idoma territory, is a hereditary monarchy, similar to those present in other Idoma communities. Delegation is used in almost every facet of the king's official responsibilities. Robert Oche Egede, an Arapa residing in Idoma, asserts that it is illegal for kings to frequent markets. OCH'IDOMA refrains from attending funerals because to the prohibition on contact with deceased individuals (Erim, 2016). He also refrains from participating in social gatherings that are said to attract ghosts or other spirits. Considering the elevated spiritual framework of the OCH'IDOMA worldview, one may conclude that this might be the reason for the intradermal arrangement of the OCH'IDOMA kinship system.1 

A tradition whereby the monarch is seen as an ancestral embodiment may be challenged if it is thought that the spirit assembly maintains ongoing communication with the living. In a culture where people are both fragile and obstinate, such a tradition may easily overlook the ancestors and other ethereal entities who traverse the streets and marketplaces. The OCH'IDOMA was once a human sovereign, but it is no longer a human entity. These arguments explain why many endeavours are undertaken, via the rites of coronation and several other ceremonies, to obscure the king's mortal humanity from the populace.Conversely, several aspects are significantly different in present-day Idoma region. The need for a candidate for kingship to possess advanced age or exceptionally virtuous disposition or ideals has diminished. 2. When a lineage is due to produce a king, it has the authority to designate any individual deemed worthy of the post, irrespective of age. Consequently, several communities in present-day Idoma territory are governed by notably young men. The OCH'IDOMA's role in safeguarding the community's holy staff and executing sacred duties on behalf of the community is very important. He persists in serving as a medium of communication between the populace and their forebears. Therefore, this study seeks to investigate the evolution of the OCH'IDOMA chieftaincy institution 1946-2022.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Traditional institutions in Nigeria have endured throughout the nation's political history, including the pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial eras. In the pre-colonial era, traditional institutions were both reinforced and weakened, elevated and diminished, empowered and disempowered by the ascendant political ruling elite, as articulated by the author.3 Before the entrance of Europeans, traditional rulers in Nigeria were not only the acknowledged political leaders of the states and kingdoms but also the guardians of the people's history, culture, religions, and economy. Prior to the entrance of Europeans, traditional rulers in Nigeria governed political affairs inside their kingdoms and served as stewards of the economy. This happened prior to the advent of Europeans on the continent. Hence, the study investigates the evolution of the Och'Idoma chieftaincy institution 1946-2022.

1.3 Objective of the study

 The broad objective of the study is to investigate the evolution of the Och'Idoma chieftaincy institution 1946-2022. The specific objectives are as follows:

To examine the geography and the historical background of the Idoma people.

To assess the history of the Och'idoma chieftaincy institution 

To investigate the evolution of the Och'idoma chieftaincy institution

1.4 Research Questions

What is the geography and the historical background of the Idoma people?

What is the history of the Och'idoma chieftaincy institution?

What is the evolution of the Och'idoma chieftaincy institution?

1.5 Significance of the study

The study will be significant to the people and government of Benue State, as it will be kept abrest about the history of kingship institution in the state and will also be exposed to the growth experienced by the och'idoma chieftaincy institution. Thus, apart from the academic requirements of this research which is predicated on my graduation, it is my desire to publish this work for the public consumption thereafter. In other words, this research shall be made available to relevant government authorities for consideration and necessary action. This study will expose scholars to the evolution and growth of the traditional institutions in the southern part of Benue state, particularly the Idoma people.

The study will be significant to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature.

1.6 Scope  of the study

The study focus on the evolution of the Och'Idoma chieftaincy institution 1946-2022. Empirically,  the study will examine the geography and the historical background of the idoma people. The study will also assess the history of the och'idoma chieftaincy institution. Lastly, the study will investigate the evolution of the och'idoma chieftaincy institution. 

Geographically, the study is delimited to Idoma land, Benue State.

1.7 Research Methodology

In order to justify the purpose of this study, both historical and exploratory research design approach will be adopted. This essence of the historical approach is to carefully trace past events related to the research problem for the purpose of generating valid inference. While, the exploratory research design approach is to enable us to get insight about the phenomenon (chieftaincy evolution) using available documented evidence for onward analysis so as to explanatorily ascertain the evolution of the chieftaincy.

Research methodology deals with the different ways or methods the researcher applied in order to carry out the research as well as the instrument used for gathering the data. There are several research methodologies appropriate for answering the research questions. The type of research methodology used in this research to gather data and relevant information is the historical research and the study will adopt descriptive method of data collection. This will involve the collection of materials from secondary sources, such as books, journal articles, magazines, internet sources, international and national conference proceedings, published and unpublished articles.