Clan politics and violent conflict in Nigeria: the Ebira Tao experience^*

* Some of the data presented in this paper were drawn largely from my unpublished PhD Thesis deposited in Covenant University Repository.

Abstract

This paper examines clan politics and violent conflict using Ebira Tao Nigeria as a focal point of study. Some scholars believe that cultural differences are responsible for inter-group conflict; hence, the study investigates this position. Instrumentalist theory of conflict was adopted as a framework and survey research method to gather data which were content analysed. 1200 copies of questionnaire were administered, but only 850 were retrieved and used. Findings from the study show that violence in Ebiraland is caused partly by clan-oriented politics that hinges on struggle for political power, clan headship and supremacy among the various clans in Ebiraland. The study suggests among others, the need for door to door campaigns to sensitize people towards the negative impact of violent-oriented clan politics.

Keywords:

• Clan politics
• violent conflict
• Nigeria
• Ebira Tao

Notes

* Some of the data presented in this paper were drawn largely from my unpublished PhD Thesis deposited in Covenant University Repository.