The Role of Age Grade System in Peace Building in Ohafia

Abstract

Traditionally, conflict is seen as a threat to peace and social harmony. As a result, every effort is made to ensure peace and unity through institutions such as the age grades. The age grade system in Igboland is a well-structured, time-proven social system geared towards conflict resolution, reconciliation, maintenance and improvement of inter-personal and inter-group relationships. With specific reference to the Ohafia people, the age-grade system (uke) was the foundation of Ohafia political administration before the 20th century. The age grades in Ohafia played a historic role in the provision of security through the mobilization of male warriors for territorial defense. The emergence of the uke as a social welfare and self-help developmental agency since the 20th century underscores its continued relevance and has positioned it as the matrix of socialization, resource mobilization, self-actualization and community development.