THE TRADITIONAL JUDICIAL SYSTEM IN PRE-COLONIAL AND POST-COLONIAL OWAN

ABSTRACT

This research study examined impact of Judicial and justice system in Owanland and its influence on Owan women with special focus on the socio-cultural and economic changes of women rite and activities in Owanland. In treating this research study an assumption was made that there is need to enlighten the people about the administration of customary law in colonial system as well as the African value system and the impact of westernization as its relates to Owan society and the establishment of native court. To justify this assumption, relevant literature and other related documents were reviewed and analysed and the result shows that there colonial native court system have altered the socio-cultural economic and political life style of the Owan people. Chapter two carryout an indepth analysis on the emergence of the Native Court system in Owan as an administrative and financial arm of British rule; and the conquest of Esanland and the imposition of colonial rule transformed some cultural practices in Owan, especially the indigenous marriage institution. The indigenous arbitration system provided justice for the people of Owan because it depended solely on cultural precedent to adjudicate in disputes. But, the colonial established Native Court system introduced new elements that fundamentally affected the Owan way of administration of justice. With the introduction of the Native Court and implementation of the Owan Civil Code in 1923, Owan marriage practices came under attack.