POLITICS AND CONFLICTS: A STUDY OF EBIRALAND, NIGERIA (1977-2007) BY JOSHUA SEGUN (MATRIC NO.: CUGP08213) JUNE, 2013 i POLITICS AND CONFLICTS: A STUDY OF EBIRALAND, NIGERIA (1977-2007) BY JOSHUA SEGUN (CUGP08213) A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, COLLEGE OF DEVELOPMENT STUDIES, COVENANT UNIVERSITY, OTA, NIGERIA IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF Ph.D DEGREE IN POLITICAL SCIENCE JUNE, 2013 ii CERTIFICATION This is to certify that this study titled “Politics and Conflicts: A study of Ebiraland, Nigeria (1999-2007)” was carried out by Joshua, Segun under our supervision and that the thesis has not been submitted for the award of any degree in this or any other university. Supervisor Signature and Date Co-Supervisor Signature and Date iii DECLARATION It is hereby declared that this thesis titled “Politics and Conflicts: A Study of Ebiraland, Nigeria (1977-2007)” was undertaken by Joshua, Segun. The thesis is based on his original study in the Department of Political Science and International Relations, School of Social Sciences, College of Development Studies, Covenant University, Ota. The views of other researchers have been acknowledged. It is further restated that this work has not been submitted for the award of degree in this or any other institution. Joshua Segun Signature and Date (Researcher) The above declaration is attested to by: Professor Mathew Ola-Rotimi Ajayi Signature and Date (Supervisor) Professor Remi Anifowose Signature and Date (Co-Supervisor) Dr. Sheriff Folarin Signature and Date Head, Department of Political Science and International Relations Covenant University, Ota. Ogun State, Nigeria Professor Ranti Olurinola Dean College of Development Studies Signature and Date Professor Charles Ogbulogo Dean, School of Posgraduate Studies Signature and Date iv DEDICATION This work is dedicated to the ALMIGHTY GOD the fountain of knowledge and embodiment of wisdom who inspired, strengthened, and encouraged me to embark and complete this programme. “But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding” (Job 32:8). To HIM be glory, honour and adoration forever amen. v ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS There is no doubt that the work of this nature would have been impossible without the intellectual and moral contributions of some persons. It is in recognition of this fact that I want to express my gratitude to some of them. However, I want to first appreciate God the Alpha and Omega, the Giver of life and my Helper. Whatever I am and whatever I will be tomorrow, I owe everything to Your gracious mercy. Holy Father I am grateful for seeing me through from the beginning of this work to the end. I also acknowledge God’s servant, Bishop (Dr.) David Oyedepo whose vision gave birth to the Covenant University, a veritable platform for actualizing goals and fulfilling destinies as well as the entire family of the Living Faith Church. I appreciate the matchless efforts of the management team who drive the vision of Covenant University and are overseeing the running of its affairs. Of note are: the management team headed by the Vice-Chancellor Prof. C.K Ayo, supported by the Deputy Vice- Chancellor Academic Prof. Atayero, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Admin., Dr. Taiwo and the Registrar Dr. U. Ntia. Also on this list is the Dean, College of Developmet Studies Prof. R. Olurinola, Dr. Daniel Gberevbie the Deputy Dean, School of Social Sciences. I equally appreciate my amiable HOD, Dr. S. Folarin for his involvement, care, love and push to avoid unnecessary delays. I am deeply indebted to my supervisor, Prof. M.O Ajayi, the Vice-Chancellor of Landmark University for the time and pains he took to read correct and guide this work to completion despite his tight schedules. Your criticisms and comments greatly enriched this work; in fact, I am short of words to appreciate your immense sacrifice. I also want to place on record, the efforts of my co- supervisor Prof. Remi Anifowose who always made himself available and also took time in spite of his numerous schedules to read through and made valuable corrections. His comments and patience instilled confidence in me. I want to gratefully acknowledge the encouragement and involvement of Professor K. Soremekun who doubled as the former Dean of College of Development Studies and H.OD Political Science and Inernational Relations. I also want to thank Prof. P. vi Adelusi, Prof. S.O Otokiti and Dr. B. Onuoha for their efforts during my Ph.D course work. I sincerely appreciate the intellectual inputs of Prof. D. Omoweh, Prof. J.A. Bello, Drs. O. Wusu, A. Asakitipi, and R. Akinyemi of the University of Lagos. I equally appreciate my colleaques in the College, some of them provided first hand critique of this work: Dr. A. J Abiodun, Dr. O. Osibanjo, Dr. O. Oyero, Messrs; E.A Ajibade, M. Sholarin among others and my colleaques in the Department namely: Drs. M. Duruji and Jide Ibietan, Messrs S. Oni, F. Chidozie, G. Agbude, B. Olorunyomi, I. Olanrewaju, K. Shodipo, Mrs. E. Owolabi, Mrs. O. Fayomi, Mrs. D. Udoh, Mrs L. Ajayi, Miss F. Oviasoge and Miss R. Popoola. I am full of gratitude to Mr. Raji Zubairu who not only offered me some of the wealth of information required, but also facilitated the focus group discussion I did and the interviews I conducted with Alhaji Ado Ibrahim- the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji A. Ogido the Ohi of Ihima, Alhaji Okagara the Obobayin of Ihima; Chief Jeremiah the Obobayin of Ihonwa, Alhaji Obeitor who was the Chairman of Ebira Peoples’ Association as at the time of the study, Ambassador Usman Bello, Drs. H.A. Sani, M.S. Audu, Mallam M.J Yusuf and Mallam I. Uveida. Mr. J.A Philip and Mr A. Adetunji formerly with the Department of Languages, Covenant University, have been quite generous patient in sacrificing their time to edit this work. I appreciate the prayers of my Pastors: D. Rosilu, A. Albert, and J. Ojo. In the same vein, I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation to my father in-law Prof. P. Olasehinde for his insightful coments and Dr. (Mrs) M. Olasehinde. Not to be left out are the immense contributions and concern of the family of Dr. A.J. Abiodun most especially his wife, my sister in-law and my elder sister Mrs. E.T. Awonuga. My parents, late Elder Joshua Adebayo Onilibe and Mrs. Comfort Taiwo Joshua deserve much accolade for their prayers, most especially my mother for her frequent calls concerning my progress on the work. I acknowledge my lovely family beginning with my beloved wife Bukola Joshua, for her sacrifice, understanding and support and my lovely children Esther and Ebunoluwa. May God make our home heaven on earth in Jesus name. I want to appreciate all individuals whose names have not been mentioned here due to vii insufficient space but have contributed to the success of this work. May God bless you all. JOSHUA, SEGUN 4th June, 2013 viii Abstract One important area in conflict studies which has not been given adequate attention in the literature is intra or sub-ethnic conflict. Inadequate research in this area is further exacerbated by the paucity of literature on the relationship between politics and conflict especially at intra-ethnic level. The study prompted by these gaps, therefore, interrogated the impact of politics on clan identity and conflicts; examined the relationship between intra and inter-party clashes and communal unrest; and analyzed the relationship between economic and socio-cultural variables and conflicts in Ebiraland. The study adopted qualitative and quantitative techniques to capture the nature of conflicts in the area. The research method encapsulated the use of survey which involved questionnaire administration, and complemented with interview and focus group discussion. The study came up with the following findings among others: while colonialism laid the foundation of communal conflicts in Ebiraland, political competition and other economic and socio-cultural factors especially from 1979 intensified the conflicts. The Study also found that, an average Ebira is pugilistic and tends to display aggressive tendency at minor provocation. It further identified a relationship between the unequal and lopsided political structure of Kogi State and violence in Ebiraland. The politicization of the existing cultural homogeneity by some political elements using as canon fodders the large number of unemployed youths was also discovered as a major trigger of conflict. Accordingly, the study recommended the need for youth mass employment; government regulatory measure on cultural activities; rotation of key political offices and justiciable distribution of resources and amenities among the ethnic groups in Kogi State. The study concluded that adherence to the proffered suggestions would mitigate the occurrence of conflict in Ebiraland. ix TABLE OF CONTENTS TitlePage………………………………………………………… …………. ii Certification ……………………………………………………………… …. iii Declaration ……………………………………………………………… …. iv Dedication ………………………………………………………………… …. v Acknowledgements…………………………………………………………. vi Abstract……………………………………………………………………… ix Table of Contents……………………………………………………………. x List of Tables…………………………………………………………………………... xiv List of Figures……………………………………………………………….. xvi CHAPTER ONE: Introduction 1.1 Background to the Study…………………………………………………… 1 1.2 Statement of the Problem …………………………………………... 6 1.3 Research Questions……………..…………………………………… 9 1.4 Objectives of the Study …………………………………………….. 9 1.5 Research Propositions ……………………………………………….