Volume 7, No.1
OGBAZULUOBODO Volume 7, No. 1 Preliminary Pages
ETHNICITY, TRIBE, AND THE QUEST FOR COHESION IN AFRICAN STATES: MULTIDISCIPLINARY REFLECTIONS
PROF. CHINEDU NEBO, CON, NPOM, FNSE, FNMS, FMSN, FNIPE, FNATE, FNAENG, FNMMME
Abstract
Ethnicity and tribal identity have long been central to African socio-political structures, shaping governance, conflict, and development. While these identities foster cultural richness, they also pose challenges to national cohesion. This paper explores ethnicity and tribalism within African states through a multidisciplinary lens, integrating historical, political, sociological, and economic perspectives. It examines the colonial origins of ethnic divisions, the role of political elites in ethnic mobilization, the impact of ethnic identity on governance and development, and potential pathways for fostering national unity. By engaging insights from history, political science, sociology, and economics, this study highlights the complexities of ethnicity in Africa and proposes strategies for strengthening national cohesion while respecting cultural diversity.
FLORENCE ONYEBUCHI ORABUEZE & IFEYINWA DAVID-OJUKWU
Abstract
This study is anchored on Kaine Agary's Yellow-Yellow and Helon Habila's The Chibok Girls: the Boko Haram Kidnappings and Islamist Militancy in Nigeria, focusing on how ethnic identity, ethnic conflicts and terrorism are represented. Grounded in Primordialism, Instrumentalism, and Constructivism as the theoretical frameworks in dissecting the causes, manifestations, and consequences of ethnic tensions in Nigeria, the study holds that ethnic identities, although rooted in, descent, history, and cultural consciousness, are continually shaped by political manipulations, socioeconomic conditions and processes of social construction.
Keywords: Ethnic Conflicts, Terrorism, African Literature, Literary Representation, Cultural Identity and Postcolonial Studies.
SAMUEL ENUDI
Abstract
Historical evidence reveals that prior to the discovery of oil and its subsequent exploration in the early 50s, the oil-rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria was widely known for its relative peace, communal ties, mutual coexistence and minimal altercation among diversified ethnicities cohabitating the region. However, ethnic strife and tribal wars set in, consequent upon the discovery of oil in 1956, which ultimately sowed the growing seeds of distrust and disdain among people that once lived in relative harmony. While these resentments are commonly adjudged as ethnically inclined or tribally induced altercations, this essay argues that they are deeply rooted in economic disaffect among the dominant tribal groups; with each group battling for survival and supremacy. Oftentimes, available literature from the Niger Delta region tends to highlight the phenomena of environmental degradation, resource control and identity crises among others, leaving for the most part, the lingering crisis of tribal wars and inter-ethnic conflicts. Thus, through the appropriation of the novel genre, which provides nuanced information and desired avenue for story telling than any other literary form, this essay attempts to explicate the horrendous experiences of minority tribes in the Niger Delta region, whose environment and humanity have been degraded and botched on accounts of their cultural identities and ethnic affiliations. As literary work of art, the novel, Oil on Water, represents oppression, tribal rift and resistance in clear actions thus, highlights an aspect in literary scholarship not previously approached by related studies.
Key Words: Inter-Ethnic Conflict, Dissidence, Economy, Resource Control, Marginalization
ISSUES IN AFRICAN LITERARY RESEARCH: AN EXAMINATION OF KEY CHALLENGES
GEORGE IJEZIE-ASOEGWU
Abstract
African literature refers to the literature of and for the African people, but can also be written by non-Africans who have deep interest in African literature. African literature is different from American, European, Asian or any other literature in terms of its experiences and values. African literature helps to promote cultural heritage of the continent and helps to foster cross-cultural understanding among multi-lingual, multi-ethnic and multi-cultural nations in Africa and beyond. It is used to provide historical context of the continent as well as the impact of colonization, slave trade and apartheid regime. African literature is used to tackle social issues in the African society, such as poverty, inequality, corruption and human rights. It is used to address certain happenings in the society, spark up important conversations and reflections. African literature is gaining attention of many scholars both Africans and non-Africans. However, African literary research presents a major challenge for researchers across the continent. Some of these challenges include language and cultural issues. Some scholars believe that African literature must be written in African language otherwise it is no longer African literature. Others have a contrary view. Also, a large portion of African literature are oral literature which require specialized research methods to capture and interpret performances and narratives. Besides, the linguistic diversity of the continent makes it difficult to translate a particular work into all the different languages in the continent thereby creating a gap. Other challenges include: lack of adequate archives and libraries for African literary works, lack of funding for African literary research, lack of institutional support, amongst others. This paper tends to address all of these key challenges in African literary research and proffer solutions to these challenges.
Key words: African literature, African languages, Cultures and Historical context.
CHUKWUKA EUGENE OFIE, PhD.
Abstract
This paper examines social realities in Festus Iyayi's Heroes as means of reorientating the citizenry about the socio-political impediment confronting them. This researcher demonstrates with examples from the text, how the author has done this and to what extent he has succeeded. The theoretical framework used for this study is the Sociological Theory of analyzing literary works. The reason for using Sociological Theory is because of Festus Iyayi's belief in literature serving the needs of the people and the society. Primary and secondary sources were used in the collection and analysis of the data. While the novel, Heroes constitute the primary source of the data, journals, internet articles and literary texts comprise the secondary sources. This investigation employs the content analysis approach to qualitative sociocritical analysis.
Keywords:
Reorientation, Sociological, Literature, People, Society.
INTERROGATING ETHNICITY AND TRIBALISM IN SOYINKA'S A DANCE OF THE FORESTS
OBIORAH EKWUEME, PhD, EMMANUELA CHIOMA NNADIUKWU & GODSTIME EZE
Abstract
Ethnicity and tribalism have played significant roles in shaping Nigeria's socio-political landscape, often serving as both a source of cultural identity and a tool for division. This study critically examines how Wole Soyinka's A Dance of the Forests interrogates ethnic tensions and the dangers of tribalism in Nigeria. The study offers a prophetic critique of the nation's fractured identity, exposing how historical grievances, ethnic rivalries, and political opportunism threaten national unity. Using Cultural Hegemony Theory, this study explores how Soyinka employs allegory, symbolism, and myth to challenge the glorification of the past and warn against the cyclical nature of ethnic conflicts. The study presents history as a burden rather than a source of pride, emphasizing the need for a new national consciousness that transcends tribal divisions. By examining Soyinka's representation of ethnic tensions and his vision for a unified Nigeria, this study highlights the enduring relevance of A Dance of the Forests in contemporary discussions on ethnicity, tribalism, nationalism, and governance. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on how Nigerian drama functions as a medium for social critique and nation-building.
Keywords: Ethnicity, Tribalism, Culture, Nigeria.
CULTURAL TOURISM AND SOCIAL COHESION IN NIGERIA: EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL FOR INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE
JOY NNEKA UCHENYE EJIKEME
Abstract
Nigeria's diverse culture, with over 250 ethnic groups and a history of religious tensions, provides a vibrant environment for exploring the intersection of cultural tourism and social cohesion. This article explores the potential of cultural tourism to promote intercultural dialogue in Nigeria. The study emphasizes the importance of traditional festivals, heritage sites, and community-based tourism in fostering mutual understanding, unity, and shared identity among diverse groups. The researcher used the Osun-Osogbo Festival, the Argungu Fishing Festival, and the Calabar Festival and Carnival as case studies to explore cultural commodification, representation, and inclusivity challenges in the tourism sector. The article highlights the potential of cultural tourism to bridge divides, preserve Nigeria's heritage, and strengthen national unity through sustainable and inclusive tourism practices. The researcher employed secondary documents such as books, journals, and other written materials in writing this article, and a descriptive method of analysis has been adopted. The study contributes to the growing understanding of cultural tourism's role in fostering peace and cohesion in diverse multiethnic societies.
Key words: Cultural tourism, social cohesion, Nigeria, intercultural dialogue.
DECODING CULTURAL IDENTITY THROUGH CHARACTER NAMING IN ZULU SOFOLA'S OLD WINES ARE TASTY
EGBUCHIEM, LIZZY-JANE ONYEBUCHUKWU
Abstract
This study argues that character naming in Zulu Sofola's Old Wines Are Tasty serves as a powerful tool for negotiating cultural identity, revealing the tensions between tradition and modernity in Nigerian society. By examining the interplay between language, culture, and identity, this research demonstrates how Sofola strategically uses character naming to negotiate, reinforce, and subvert cultural norms and beliefs within the Anioma cultural context. Through close textual analysis of the play's characters and their actions, this study highlights how Sofola's naming strategies reflect the complexities of Nigerian cultural identity in a postcolonial landscape where traditional values intersect with modern influences. Employing Mieke Bal's classical theory of proper names and literary semiotics, the analysis reveals how names such as Okebuno (''a man is the home''), Dumkwu (''help me in talking''), and Anyasi (''evening time'') function not merely as labels but as cultural signifiers that encode character traits, foreshadow narrative developments, and embody thematic concerns. The findings demonstrate that Sofola's characters live out the meanings embedded in their names, validating the Anioma proverb ''afa onye na edu e'' (a person's name leads them). This study contributes to broader discussions on cultural representation, identity formation, and the role of onomastics in African literature, offering insights into how literary naming practices serve as vehicles for cultural preservation and social commentary in postcolonial Nigerian theatre.
Keywords: African Literature, Semiotics, Character Naming, Anioma Culture, Cultural Identity.
POLITICS OF ETHNICITY IN CHINUA ACHEBE'S THERE WAS A COUNTRY: A PERSONAL HISTORY OF BIAFRA
CHIJIOKE PAUL ANIH
Abstract
This paper examined the representation of politics of ethnicity in Chinua Achebe's There Was a Country: A Personal History of Biafra, focusing on the depiction of characters, tribes and events. Politics of ethnicity is mostly concerned with ethnic interest over all other considerations - say national goals. Drawing on Edward Said's postcolonial theory and using the qualitative method of data analysis; this study analysed how the primary text under study thrived on the politics of ethnicity. Postcolonial theory is concerned with the aftermath effects of colonialism. The findings reveal that the novel do not necessarily present politics of ethnicity as being dangerous in itself, but that; it is so much more an irresistible submission on the need for premeditation unto self-discovery, negotiations, re-negotiations, and most essentially, rebuilding of strained relationships and broken walls, among the various Nigeria ethnic groups. The study also reveals that the rigging of elections in Nigeria today, among other aberrations are indissociable from its colonial heritage - and that this faulty ground upon which Nigeria was conscripted must be approached urgently with a new frame of mind to give space for meritocracy. This study will provide insights into future discourses on literature as well as subsequent debates on ethnic, regional and world politics.
Keywords: Politics, Ethnicity, Postcolonial, Theory