Traditional Institutions in Nigeria. The Role of the Traditional Institution to the Development of Iyah-Gbede

Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

1.2 Statement of the Problem

1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study

1.4 Scope of Study

1.5 Significance of Study

1.6 Limitations of the Study

1.6 Research Methodology

1.7 Literature Review

2. THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE OF IYAH-GBEDE

2.1 Geography and Location of Iyah-Gbede

2.2 Historical Origin of Iyah-Gbede

2.2.1 Ekuku Renamed Iyah-Gbede: How Iyah got it Name

2.2.2 Iyah-Gbede Loke (Old Site)

2.2.3 Iyah-Gbede Olodo (New site)

2.3 Political and Administrative Organization of the People of Iyah-Gbede

2.3.1 The Administrative Structure

2.3.2 Conflicts Resolution and Administrative Procedure

2.4 Cultural and Religious Organization of Iyah-Gbede

2.4.1 Epa Festival

2.4.2 Iroko, Irowo, Segede and Wogun

2.4.3 The Imole and Ofosi Cults

2.4.4 The Ogboni Fraternity

2.4.5 Christianity

2.4.6 Islam

2.5 Agriculture, Commerce and Industry in Iyah-Gbede

2.5.1 Commerce

2.5.2 Industry

3. HISTORY OF THE TRADITIONAL INSTITUTION IN IYAH-GBEDE

3.1 Traditional institutions in Iyah-Gbede

3.2 The Obaship position in Iyah-Gbede

3.2.1 Obaship succession in Iyah-Gbede

3.3 The Chieftaincy Institution

3.3.1 The Conferment of Chieftaincy Titles

3.4 The Gbarufu Class in Iyah-Gbede

3.5 The Social Behavior-Control and Disciplinary Procedure in Iyah-Gbede

3.5.1 Iyah-Gbede Hunter, Gbarufu and Social Control

3.5.2 The Dissemination of Information-The Town Crier

3.6 The Great Migration from the old Iyah-Gbede Site to the new Site

3.6.1 The Propulsion behind the Great Migration

3.6.2 The Politics of Relocation

3.6.3 Mission Accomplished

4. THE IMPACT AND ROLE OF THE TRADITIONAL INSTITUTION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF IYAH-GBEDE

4.1 Social and Cultural Impact of the Traditional Institution

4.2 Educational Impact of the Traditional Institution

4.2.1. The Primary School at the Old Site

4.2.2. The Primary School at the New Site

4.2.3. Gbede Baptist Secondary Commercial School

4.3 Iyah-Gbede Development Projects

4.3.1. The Market

4.3.2. Iyah-Gbede Health Center

4.3.3. Electricity Project in Iyah-Gbede

4.3.4. The Postal Agency

4.3.5. Roads and Iyah-Gbede Development

4.3.6. Iyah-Kabba-Ilorin Link Road

4.3.7. The Iyah-Gbede Community Town Hall

4.3.8. The Burial Ground Project

4.4 Challenges facing Traditional Institution in Iyah-Gbede

4.5 Remedy to the Challenges Facing Traditional Institution

5. GENERAL SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

5.1 Summary

5.2 Conclusion and Recommendation

Research Objectives and Themes

This research examines the role and impact of traditional institutions on the socio-economic development of Iyah-Gbede in Kogi State, Nigeria, from 1976 to 2019. It investigates how these enduring structures contribute to community growth, resolve conflicts, and influence modern administrative processes.

• Historical evolution of Iyah-Gbede and its traditional administrative structure.
• Role of the "Gbarufu" class and the "Obaship" institution in community governance.
• Impact of traditional institutions on local development projects (education, health, infrastructure).
• Challenges facing traditional rulers in contemporary Nigerian democratic society.
• Strategies for integrating traditional knowledge into modern governance frameworks.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

INTRODUCTION: Establishes the historical basis of traditional institutions and outlines the research objectives regarding their relevance in modern Nigeria.

THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE OF IYAH-GBEDE: Describes the geographical, historical, and socio-political setting of Iyah-Gbede, including its administrative hierarchy and cultural practices.

HISTORY OF THE TRADITIONAL INSTITUTION IN IYAH-GBEDE: Explores the succession of the Obaship, the chieftaincy structure, and the complex process of the community's relocation to a new site.

THE IMPACT AND ROLE OF THE TRADITIONAL INSTITUTION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF IYAH-GBEDE: Analyzes the tangible contributions of traditional leaders and associations to education, health, and infrastructure development.

GENERAL SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: Recaps the research findings and proposes policy recommendations to empower traditional rulers for future community development.

Keywords

Tradition, Institutions, Traditional Institutions, Society, Organization, Development, Culture, Iyah-Gbede, Governance, Chieftaincy, Community Development, Administration, Migration, Obaship, Nigeria

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this research?

The research examines the role and impact of traditional institutions in the development of Iyah-Gbede, Ijumu land, Kogi State, from 1976 to 2019.

What are the central themes covered in the study?

Key themes include the administrative structure of Iyah-Gbede, the role of chieftaincy in development, cultural organization, and the challenges traditional rulers face in a modern democratic environment.

What is the core research objective?

The objective is to assess the level of involvement of traditional institutions in socio-economic development and to determine if they remain relevant in contemporary Nigeria.

Which research methodology is applied?

The study adopts a qualitative approach, relying on a systematic review of secondary data, historical records, and interviews with community members.

What topics are analyzed in the main body?

The main body covers the history and geography of Iyah-Gbede, the administrative and chieftaincy systems, the community's great migration to a new site, and specific developmental projects like schools and health centers.

Which keywords define this work?

Key terms include Tradition, Institutions, Iyah-Gbede, Development, Governance, Chieftaincy, and Community Development.

What was the significance of the "Great Migration"?

The migration was a strategic move initiated by the community to ensure Iyah-Gbede remained a distinct, developing entity rather than disappearing into larger neighboring towns.

How do traditional rulers interact with modern governance in Iyah-Gbede?

They act as catalysts for development projects, mobilizing community resources where state or local government support is limited or insufficient.