International records / OpenAlex research

The Status of Ibibio Chiefs

After providing a background of the social and political organization of the Ibibio in southeastern Nigeria (some two million population), this paper reviews the function and status of chiefs and elders (used interchangeably here) in precolonial, colonial and postcolonial times. Christian missionary and British colonial intrusion wrought some decline in their previously wide powers and authority. Further deterioration in their status came after Nigeria's independence in 1960 when politization overtook what was always a sacred institution. Politicians deposed traditional rulers at will, created…