DOCSLIB.ORG

Performance, Functionalism and Form in Ịzọn Oral Poetry

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Performance, Functionalism and Form in Ịzọn Oral Poetry PERFORMANCE, FUNCTIONALISM AND FORM IN ỊZỌN ORAL POETRY A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Of RHODES UNIVERSITY By ARMSTRONG, IMOMOTIMI JUNE 2019 SUPERVISOR PROF RUSSELL KASCHULA CO-SUPERVISORS DR HLEZE KUNJU DR N. MAZWI Abstract Since the publication of Ruth Finnegan’s influential Oral Literature in Africa, way back in 1970, scholars have been paying earnest attention to oral traditions on the African continent. That seminal book pointed out to Africanist scholars the need to urgently collect and document the oral literatures of their various ethnic groups before they die out. However, it is the verbal arts of the major ethnic groups on the continent that very often benefit from this collection and documentation, as it were. Therefore, this study sought to examine the oral poetry of the Ịzọn, a minority ethnic nationality, located in the oil-rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The study employed unstructured interviews and participant observations to collect the data for the research. The transcribed and translated data was examined through three eclectic theories to the study of folklore: Russian formalism, performance and functionalism. The study found out that Ịzọn oral poetry is a combination of songs and one person’s praise chants. Moreover, it revealed that praise chanting is a recent practice amongst the Ịzọn that was introduced into Ịzọnland by Chief Adolphus Munamuna from the Yoruba of southwestern Nigeria. Furthermore, the study established that oral poetry plays important roles amongst the people. Besides, it ascertained that the performance of some sub-categories of the poetry is highly dramatic and theatrical. It also discovered that stylistic techniques such as formula, parallelism, proverb, ideophone, praise title, metaphor, repetition, alliteration, assonance, vowel lengthening, amongst others, give the poetry the quality of “literariness.” In addition, the study found out that the poetry, like oral poetry in other ethnic groups, demonstrates the three qualities of change, adaptability and survival. The study has contributed to existing scholarship on African oral traditions in the sense of collecting, documenting and generating awareness on Ịzọn oral poetry, most importantly iii pointing out the existence of praise chanting amongst a people who had no such culture and the conditions that gave rise to that practice. iv Declaration I, the undersigned, hereby declare that this thesis is my own work and that all sources which I have used or quoted have been indicated and acknowledged by means of complete references ---------------------------------- -------------------------------- Armstrong, Imomotimi Date v Dedication For Jah, the only true God vi Acknowledgements Jehovah, for a love that no word comes close to modifying. My mother, Woyengi-Inetemona, and father, Undutimi Dengimo, who can make any sacrifice to ensure that all their children are educated. Rejoice Chioma, my wife, who suspended her tertiary education in Nigeria, came to South Africa and went through a most horrible weather in Grahamstown. I will not be able to count the number of times I said, “Baby, please, I am busy,” even though she was heavily pregnant with our first child. Moreover, I will forever be grateful to a man with a good soul, Professor Russell Kaschula, my supervisor. From giving me a signed copy of his study of Xhosa oral poetry to something to “spend for the weekend” to putting my name through to NRF for funding, all on the first day I met him, to making his library available to the quick feedback each time I sent him a chapter! Dr Hleze Kunju, the author of the first PhD in IsiXhosa and my co-supervisor, always had discussions with me. In fact, he was so nice to me that it was just once I booked an appointment with him to see him. After that first meeting, each time I saw the door ajar, I walked in straight. Our discussions were not limited to just the office; anywhere he saw me, we would have interactions. Besides, I express my indebtedness to the respondents for this study, including the praise chanter, Chief Adolphus Munamuna, who willingly gave me all the manuscripts of his previous chants. This study would not have been done without their cooperation. I can never hope to pay in full the kindnesses of my two research assistants: Undutimi Miekumo and Armstrong U. Armstrong. Furthermore, I note in deep appreciation the kindnesses of Ms Goosen, Assistant Librarian: Interlibrary Loans. In the course of writing this study, I realised that Rhodes University did not have some of the most important studies of oral traditions on the African continent. It was Ms Goosen who ensured that I got all the books that were not in the Library and in Prof Kaschula’s from other South African universities. vii Ms Wicks, Manager Student Bureau, responded swiftly to all my inquiries even when I had not come to Rhodes University. She also readily wanted to accommodate me, a postgraduate student, in one of the undergraduate residences when she knew I would not be able to afford a stay in the postgraduate halls of residence. To her, too, I extend warmest thanks. The Grahamstown Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnessess showed a very genuine denominational love to my wife and me throughout our stay in South Africa. In fact, the first baby shower we ever experienced or took part in was the one organised by the brothers and sisters for our baby! My wife and I deeply appreciate their love. Additionally, my younger siblings: Inerepamo, Franklin, Armstrong, Lucky-ere and Kelvin for the tremendous brotherly love. Mr Nathan Gordon, a loving elderly friend and Christian brother, kept in touch on a regular basis throughout this study, for that I am heartily grateful. Ikpoere Okpotolomo, an aunty with an immense love, called often. To her, too, I express my sincere gratitude. Also, thanks are due to Professor S. E. Ogude, my deceased undergraduate supervisor and academic mentor, and for their encouragements, Professors Tanure Ojaide, S. O. Umukuoro, Barine Ngaage and Dr Timi Oyabara. Furthermore, I extend my gratitude to Professor Karin Barber who took the time to respond to an email that was sent to her and kindly sent me two articles written by herself when I was thinking of pursuing doctoral studies. Shout out to Joy, a Nigerian friend who completed her PhD in French at Rhodes in 2019. Cheers to Associate Prof Dion Nkomo, who never forgot to ask how the “battle” was going on each time we met, Ms Nosilela, who always flashed a smile and Balbawa, who was ever ready to print anything out whenever the need arose, all members of staff of the African Language Section of the School of Languages and Literatures. Lastly, the financial support of the NRF through the National Research Foundation SARChl Chair: Intellectualization of African Languages, Multilingualism & Education, School of viii Languages and Literatures, Rhodes University and Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Nigeria, towards this research is hereby acknowledged. ix Table of Contents Abstract……………………………………………………………………………………iii-iv Declaration……………………………………………………………………………………v Dedication……………………………………………………………………………………vi Acknowledgements………………………………………………………………………vii-ix CHAPTER ONE: BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY………………………………………..1 1.1 Introduction………………………………………………………………………………..1 1.2 The Context of the Study………………………………………………………………..1-2 1.3 Ịjọ, Ijaw or Ịzọn…………………………………………………………………………….3 1.4 The Languages and Dialects of the People………………………………………………3-4 1.5 The Dialect(s) of Transcription…………………………………………………………….5 1.6 The Geographical Location and the People……………………………………………...5-7 1.7 Worldview, Death, Religious Beliefs and Practices……………………………………..7-9 1.8 The Concept of Death…………………………………………………………………..9-10 1.9 Youth Activism/The Ịjọ Struggle or Problem…………………………………………10-14 1.10 Egbesu, the Ịzọn God of War……………………………………………………..14-15 1.11 The Scope of the Study………………………………………………………………15 1.12 The Goal of the Research…………………………………………………………….16 1.13 Research Questions…………………………………………………………………..16 1.14 Research Methodology……………………………………………………………….16 1.15 Research Methodology: Theoretical Framework…………………………………….17 1.16 Formalism………………………………………………………………………...17-20 1.17 Functionalism……………………………………………………………………..20-23 1.18 Performance Theory………………………………………………………………23-26 1.19 The Structure of the Thesis………………………………………………………..26-27 1.20 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………....27 CHAPTER TWO: THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES AND LITERATURE REVIEW…..28 2.1 Introduction………………………………………………………………………….28-29 x 2.2 Studies of Generic Poetic Forms of Ethnic Groups…………………………………..29-39 2.3 The Role of the Verbal Artist in Africa………………………………………………39-54 2.4 Composition and Performance of African Oral Poetry………………………………54-66 2.5 The Stylistic Aspects of African Oral Poetry…………………………………………66-72 2. 6 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………….73 CHAPTER THREE: FORMS OF ỊZỌN ORAL POETRY………………………………….74 3.1 Introduction…………………………………………………………………………...74-76 3.2 War Songs (Sụụ Duma ama)………………………………………………………….76-88 3.3 Wrestling Songs (Anda Duma ama)…………………………………………………88-98 3.4 Circumcision Songs (Biriwarị Duma ama)………………………………………...98-113 3.5 Songs of Association (Ogbo ama Duma ama)……………………………………...113-126 3.6 Marriage Songs (Dudu Nana Duma ama)………………………………………….126-134 3.7 Religious Songs (Sosị Duma ama)…………………………………………………134-144 3.8 Political Songs (Gometi Duma ama)…………………………………………….…144-151 3.9 Lullabies (Kalaọwọụ Duma ama)…………………………………………………..151-160 3.10 The Praise Chants of Chief
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Checkmating the Resurgence of Youth Militancy in the Niger Delta Of
    Checkmating the Resurgence of Oil Violence in the Niger Delta of Nigeria Edited by Victor Ojakorotu, Ph.D and Lysias Dodd Gilbert, M.Sc., PGD. Th. Table of Contents 1). Understanding the Context of Oil Violence in the Niger Delta of Nigeria. VICTOR OJAKOROTU & LYSIAS DODD GILBERT 2). Taming the Monster: Critical Issues in Arresting the Orgy of Youth Restiveness in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. ALAFURO EPELLE 3). Amnesty in a Vacuum: The Unending Insurgency in the Niger Delta of Nigeria. DAVID ADEYEMO & ‗LANRE OLU–ADEYEMI 4). Youth Militancy, Amnesty and Security in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. LYSIAS DODD GILBERT 5). Security Contradictions: Bane of Reactions of Oil Producing Communities and the Unending Crisis in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. AKPOMUVIRE MUKORO & EGBADJU, OBUKOHWO ABRAHAM 6). Militants and Oil Violence in the Niger Delta of Nigeria: Any Implication for Security in Nigeria? VICTOR OJAKOROTU 7). The Politics of Oil Exploitation: Rationalising on the Coexistence of Oil Wealth and Extreme Poverty in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria FRANCIS NWONWU 8). The Politics of Oil in the Niger Delta EMMANUEL, J. C. DURU 9). The Niger Delta Child and the Future of National Integration in Nigeria: A Prognostic Analysis FRANK-COLLINS NNAMDI OKAFOR & MIKE C. ODDIH. 10). The Conflict in the Niger Delta Region and National Interest SEGUN OGUNGBEMI 11). Niger Delta Crisis: Implications on Nigeria‘s Domestic Economic Output AKINBOBOLA, T. O. Preface This book is a collection of excellent academic materials by experienced and renowned scholars who have critically analyzed the devastating age-long oil violence in the Niger Delta of Nigeria.
    [Show full text]
  • Ijessr 01 102.Pdf
    International Journal of Education and Social Science Research ISSN 2581-5148 Vol. 1, No. 06; 2018 ETHNIC SELF – DETERMINATION PROTESTS IN THE NIGER DELTA: FROM ISAAC BORO’S ‘12 DAY REVOLUTION’ TO CONTEMPORARY MILITANCY Amugo Frank School of Foundational Studies, Captain ElechiAmadi Polytechnic, Rumuola, Port harcourt, Rivers State. ABSTRACT In history, self-determination efforts have in most cases been pursued through various forms of protests, characterized by conflicts and crises that in most cases, lead to out-break of hostilities and civil wars, when oppressed people rise up against their perceived oppressors. Protests are used to express the desire for freedom, justice, equity, emancipation, self-actualization, independence, and self-determination among others. Isaac AdakaBoro’s 12 day revolution executed on behalf of the Ijaws of Niger Delta was to secure freedom for them from the socio-economic and political injustice there were under. This chapter examines AdakaBoro’s 12 day revolution as an instrument for self-determination in the Niger Delta and compares it to the recent militant protests. The chapter concludes by showing that while Boro’s revolution which was unarguably the precursor of the recent protests in the Niger Delta, can be viewed through the prism of self-determination and economic justice, the recent protests cannot be so viewed. The protests of the last one and half decades are a mixed-bag of self-determination, resource control, and largely, pecuniary motives evidenced by the pay offs of the amnesty program. KEYWORDS: Ethnicity, Protest, Self-Determination, militancy and Niger Delta. INTRODUCTION Protests remain legitimate instruments employed by individuals and groups all over the world to express dissatisfaction over certain events, policies, or situations they find unjust.
    [Show full text]
  • National Reading Framework
    Amendment 01 - Solicitation Number: 72062021R00001 - LEARN to Read Activity Attachment J.13 – DRAFT National Reading Framework Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council NATIONAL READING FRAMEWORK July 2020 0 1 Table of Contents ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ...................................................................................................................... 4 MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY ...................................................................................................... 5 RATIONALE FOR A NATIONAL READING FRAMEWORK: EVIDENCE FROM A DECADE OF RESEARCH ON YOUNG CHILDREN’S READING SKILLS IN NIGERIA. ........................................................................................................... 8 NATIONAL EVALUATION FRAMEWORK FOR READING (NEF-R) ........................................................................... 15 FOUR PERFORMANCE LEVELS .......................................................................................................................................... 15 TABLE 1: DEFINITIONS OF THE PROFICIENCY LEVELS ............................................................................................................. 16 TABLE 2: MINIMAL GRADE-LEVEL EXPECTATIONS – LOWER PRIMARY .................................................................................... 17 TABLE 3: MINIMAL GRADE-LEVEL EXPECTATIONS – UPPER PRIMARY ..................................................................................... 22 CRITERIA FOR GRADE-LEVEL TEXTS ...................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • The Right to Self Determination Under Contemporary International Law: the Case of Minority Groups in Nigeria
    International Journal of Innovative Legal & Political Studies 8(1):26-40, Jan.-Mar., 2020 © SEAHI PUBLICATIONS, 2020 www.seahipaj.org ISSN: 2467-8503 The Right To Self Determination Under Contemporary International Law: The Case Of Minority Groups In Nigeria O. W. Igwe*; Amazuo Bereprebofa** & Okeah Anthony*** Faculty of Law, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria ABSTRACT The right to self-determination is contained in international legal instruments like the United Nations Charter and the African Charter on Human and Peoples‟ Rights. The ICJ has affirmed its erga omnes nature. The agitation for self-determination in Nigeria has become a topical issue. Historically, several independent tribes were amalgamated by Britain without first seeking and obtaining their consent. Coercion was largely employed to conquer these tribes. Britain succeeded in amalgamating Nigeria without first uniting the spirit of the people as a nation. The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) provides that Nigeria is one indivisible and indissoluble sovereign nation. However, this one indivisible and indissoluble phenomenon has been trounced with threats of collapse since the Civil War in 1966 when secessionists declared Republic of Biafra. IPOB and MASSOB have continued to push for Biafra. The underpinning of their agitation is alleged marginalization and injustice. The Niger Delta struggle is that for internal self-determination over perceived marginalization. The Kaiama Declaration, the Ogoni Bill of Rights and militant activities from groups like MEND and Niger Delta Avengers are all pointers to this struggle. Their anger is that of injustice associated with exploration and exploitation of oil found in their land. This article examined the agitations of Biafra and Niger Delta for self-determination through the prism of municipal and contemporary international law.
    [Show full text]
  • Perspectives on Terrorism, Volume 5, Issue
    Volume V, Issues 3-4 September 2011 PERSPECTIVES ON TERRORISM Volume 5, Issues 3-4 Special Double Issue on Terrorism and Political Violence in Africa Guest Editors: James J. F. Forest and Jennifer Giroux 2 September 2011 PERSPECTIVES ON TERRORISM Volume 5, Issues 3-4 Table of Contents: Articles Terrorism and Political Violence in Africa: Contemporary Trends in a Shifting Terrain ................................................................................................5 by James J.F. Forest and Jennifer Giroux Terrorism in Liberation Struggles: Interrogating the Engagement Tactics of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta ........................18 by Ibaba Samuel Ibaba ‘Forcing the Horse to Drink or Making it Realise its Thirst’? Understanding the Enactment of Anti-Terrorism Legislation (ATL) in Nigeria .............................................................................................................33 by Isaac Terwase Sampson and Freedom C. Onuoha Opportunity Costs or Costly Opportunities? The Arab Spring, Osama Bin Laden, and Al-Qaeda's African Affiliates .............................................50 by Alex S. Wilner Al-Qaeda's Influence in Sub-Saharan Africa: Myths, Realities and Possibilities .....................................................................................................63 by James J.F. Forest From Theory to Practice: Exploring the Organised Crime-Terror Nexus in Sub-Saharan Africa ...................................................................................81 by Annette
    [Show full text]
  • A Contrastive Analysis of English and Tiv Segmental Phonemes: Implications in ESL Learning
    International Journal of Innovative Literature, Language & Arts Studies 3(4):1-6, Oct. –Dec. 2015 © SEAHI PUBLICATIONS, 2015 www.seahipaj.org ISSN: 2360-896X A Contrastive Analysis of English and Tiv Segmental Phonemes: Implications in ESL Learning 1NWABUDIKE Christopher Eziafa; 2KAAN, Aondover Theophilus & 3ANASO, George Nworah (Ph.D) Department of Languages and Linguistics, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria [email protected] (Correspondent Author); [email protected]; [email protected] ABSTRACT The goal of contrastive study is to examine the differences that exist between languages and the challenges they pose to second language learners. This paper focuses on a contrastive analysis of the segmental phonemes of the Tiv and English languages with emphasis on the implication of the differences in the learning of English as a second language by people whose first language is Tiv. The study reveals that while Tiv language has more consonants than the English language, both languages have the same number of vowels, but Tiv vowels /a/ and /o/ are not found in English, just as English vowels /∂/ and /æ/ are not present in Tiv. Herein lies the dilemma of the Tiv learner of English language. The work ends with some suggestions on how to eradicate or at least grossly minimize the resultant interference. Keywords: Contrastive analysis, Segmental, Tiv, ESL. INTRODUCTION Contrastive analysis, as a branch of applied linguistics, aims at systematically comparing two or more languages to determine their areas of similarities and differences with their implication on language learning and teaching. Theoretically, contrastive analysis is based on structural linguistics and behavioral psychology.
    [Show full text]
  • Behind the Mask
    NIGER DELTA ECONOMIES OF VIOLENCE WORKING PAPERS Working Paper No. 11 BEHIND THE MASK Explaining the Emergence of the MEND Militia in Nigeriaʼs Oil-Bearing Niger Delta Ike Okonta St. Peterʼs College, Oxford University 2006 Institute of International Studies, University of California, Berkeley, USA The United States Institute of Peace, Washington DC, USA Our Niger Delta, Port Harcourt, Nigeria BEHIND THE MASK: EXPLAINING THE EMERGENCE OF THE MEND MILITIA IN NIGERIA’S OIL-BEARING NIGER DELTA Ike Okonta St.Peter’s College Oxford University 1. INTRODUCTION ‘They have taken crafty counsel against thy people; and consulted against thy hidden ones. They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation.’ Oboko Bello, President of Federated Niger Delta Ijaw Communities (FNDIC), quoting Psalm 83:1-5. The fragile truce brokered between Nigeria’s central government and the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) in April 2006 jerked to a bloody halt on 20th August. On that afternoon soldiers of the Joint Task Force, a contingent of the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force deployed by the government to enforce its authority on the restive oil-bearing Niger Delta ambushed fifteen members of the MEND militia in the creeks of western delta and murdered them. The dead men had gone to negotiate the release of a Shell Oil worker kidnapped by youth in Letugbene, a neighbouring community. The Shell staff also died in the massacre. The incident occurred five days after Olusegun Obasanjo, Nigeria’s President, instructed armed forces commanders in the region to resort to force and quickly ‘pacify’ the region.
    [Show full text]
  • Post-Amnesty Programme in the Niger Delta: Challenges and Prospects
    POST -amnesty programme In the nIger delta: challenges and prospects by Ol uWAToYIN o. oLuWANIYI R ICHARD P ET y@T HE M AP A DDICT Introduction (NDVF) – including its leader, Isaac Adaka boro – for the The most current issue that resonates in the Niger Delta insurgency fomented by the group in 1966. However, the discourse is the amnesty programme. This was introduced unconditional amnesty granted in 2009 embraced not just a by the late President yar’Adua in 2009, against a groundswell of violent conflicts in the region and threats the violence portended for the Nigerian state, including reduction in revenues accruing from oil sales. Amnesty in the Niger Above: This Envisat image highlights the lower Niger Delta region can be traced back to 1967, when the yakubu River system in the West African country of Nigeria, Gowon regime pardoned the Niger Delta Volunteer Force where the Niger River (left) and the benue River merge. 46 I conflict trends REUTERS / THE / REUTERS b IGGER PICTURE IGGER Nigeria’s President Yar’Adua signs the Niger Delta amnesty package at the presidential villa in Abuja on 25 June 2009. President Yar’Adua stated that amnesty would be granted to militants in the Niger Delta if they lay down their weapons by 4 october 2009 and cease fighting. group, but all militant groups in the Niger Delta region that colonial era, the struggle over the sale and regulation of participated in militancy. This amnesty encouraged militants the prices of palm oil pitted british traders and Niger Delta to take advantage of a 60-day window (6 August–4 October indigenous traders against each other.
    [Show full text]
  • Historicolinguistic Study of Convergence and Divergence in the Tivoid Languages Phylum
    HISTORICOLINGUISTIC STUDY OF CONVERGENCE AND DIVERGENCE IN THE TIVOID LANGUAGES PHYLUM by ALYEBO, NELSON ORKAAN PG/Ph.D/08/49237 Department of Linguistics, Igbo and Other Nigerian Languages UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA DECEMBER, 2015 HISTORICOLINGUISTIC STUDY OF CONVERGENCE AND DIVERGENCE IN THE TIVOID LANGUAGES PHYLUM by ALYEBO, NELSON ORKAAN REG. NO: PG/Ph.D/08/49237 A Ph.D Thesis submitted to the School of Postgraduate Studies in fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Ph. D Degree in Linguistics in the Department of Linguistics, Igbo and Other Nigerian Languages, Faculty of Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. DECEMBER, 2015 APPROVAL PAGE This thesis has been read and approved as meeting the requirements for the award of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Linguistics, Igbo and Other Nigeria Languages, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. By ----------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ Dr. Chris Uchenna Agbedo External Examiner Supervisor --------------------------------- --------------------------- Prof. R. I. Okorji Internal Examiner Head of Department -------------------------------- Prof. Pat. Okpoko Dean, Faculty of Arts CERTIFICATION PAGE This is to certify that Alyebo, Nelson Orkaan PG/Ph.D/08/49237, a postgraduate student in the Department of Linguistics, Igbo and Other Nigerian Languages, University of Nigeria, Nsukka has satisfactorily completed the requirements for the award of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Linguistics. This research work is original and has not been submitted in part or full for any degree of this or any other University. ---------------------------------- ------------------------------- Dr. Chris Uchenna Agbedo Alyebo, Nelson Orkaan (Supervisor) PG/Ph.D/08/49237 DEDICATION To the loving memory of my late grandmother, Mama Ukuma Agbakor; who first showed me the way to school.
    [Show full text]
  • Youth Militias, Self Determination and Resource Control Struggles in the Niger-Delta Region of Nigeria
    YOUTH MILITIAS, SELF DETERMINATION AND RESOURCE CONTROL STRUGGLES IN THE NIGER-DELTA REGION OF NIGERIA By: Prof. Eghosa Osaghae Dr Augustine Ikelegbe Dr Omobolaji Olarinmoye Mr. Steven Okhonmina August 2007 1 YOUTH MILITIAS, RESOURCE CONTROL AND SELF DETERMINATION STRUGGLES IN THE NIGER DELTA REGION OF NIGERIA INTRODUCTION The Niger Delta region, Nigeria's oil belt has been the site of a generalized ethnic and regional struggle for self-determination since 1998, the location of often-violent confrontations between local ethnic communities and agents of the Nigerian state and oil companies involved in the extraction and exploitation of oil in the area. What began as community agitation has undoubtedly undergone several transformations. The first involved the flowering of civil society, which mobilized a popular civil struggle. The second saw the extension of the agitation from that against multinational oil companies (MNCs) to include the Nigerian state. The third transformation involved the elevation of the agitation from purely developmental issues to overtly political demands such as restructuring of the federal system, resource control and the resolution of the national question through a conference of ethnic nationalities. The current and fourth stage of the transformation has seen the entrance of youths, youth militancy and youth militias with volatile demands and ultimatums that have accentuated the scale and intensity of confrontations and violence with the multinationals and the state. The youths presently spearhead and constitute the vanguard of Niger-delta conflict nationalists. They chart the course of methods, tactics and strategies and define the momentum, vitality, vocalization and diction of conflicts. The insurgency has involved diverse well armed and fairly well trained youth militias, which, using speed boats and operating fairly freely in the swamps, creeks, estuaries, rivers and coastal areas of the region, have engaged the Nigerian military and seized oil facilities, ships barges, workers and equipments.
    [Show full text]
  • An Overview of Etulo: an Idomoid Language
    International Journal of Lan guage and Linguistics 2021; 9(3): 133-139 http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/j/ijll doi: 10.11648/j.ijll.20210903.20 ISSN: 2330-0205 (Print); ISSN: 2330-0221 (Online) An Overview of Etulo: An Idomoid Language Chikelu Ihunanya Ezenwafor-Afuecheta 1, Inyani Adams 2 1Department of Linguistics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria 2Department of Linguistics, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria Email address: *Corresponding author To cite this article: Chikelu Ihunanya Ezenwafor-Afuecheta, Inyani Adams. An Overview of Etulo: An Idomoid Language. International Journal of Language and Linguistics . Vol. 9, No. 3, 2021, pp. 133-139. doi: 10.11648/j.ijll.20210903.20 Received : January 12, 2021; Accepted : May 19, 2021; Published : June 7, 2021 Abstract: Etulo is an Idomoid language spoken in two Nigerian states: Taraba and Benue. This work gives an overview of the core linguistic features of Etulo as spoken in Benue state. At the phonological level, we highlight the Etulo sound system, its tonal features, syllable structure and the most common phonological processes attested. At the morphological level, we focus on its derivational morphology which involves morphological processes such as affixation, reduplication and compounding. We give a list of the identified word classes with emphasis on the noun and verbal system. Also discussed, are grammatical features which are considered areal such as its rich class of ideophones and verb serialization. Our findings show that Etulo shares some core structural features with other Idomoid languages such as Idoma. The data used for this study are obtained from Etulo language consultants who are native speakers.
    [Show full text]
  • Dynamics of Leadership Styles Within the Ogoni and Ijaw Movements in the Niger Delta
    Journal of Social and Political Psychology jspp.psychopen.eu | 2195-3325 Review Articles Dynamics of Leadership Styles Within the Ogoni and Ijaw Movements in the Niger Delta Zainab Ladan Mai-Bornu* a [a] Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom. Abstract Much of the literature on the Niger Delta deals with the Ogoni and Ijaw groups together, as having common lived experiences within a shared geographical location. However, the nature of the leaderships led the two movements to adopt distinct strategies in their struggles against the Nigerian state and multinational oil companies. Successful collective action is often ascribed to effective leadership and to the employment of social identity to drive collective group behaviour. Building on the Comparative Case Studies approach, this article compares the nature of leadership within the two movements, and particularly the choices that led Ogoni leaders to preach nonviolence and Ijaw leaders to advocate violence. The article analyses the role of the leaders in determining the strategies adopted by the movements, and examines the importance of the psychological drivers of the collective narratives developed by the two groups of leaders in accounting for the different trajectories. These issues are investigated within the social and political psychological context utilising three axes of comparison — vertical, horizontal and transversal. Findings suggest that strategic choices are frequently based on charismatic leadership, particularly when group leaders are able to utilise a heightened awareness of identity, and on conscious and unconscious fears linking past and current threats. Keywords: leadership, conflict, Nigeria, Niger Delta, nonviolence, violence, Ogoni, Ijaw Journal of Social and Political Psychology, 2020, Vol.
    [Show full text]