Paper short abstract:

The aim of this paper is to examine afromodernity, the relevance of dispute resolution mechanism of Ika People of Delta State, Nigeria to make western inspired judicial systems more flexible.

Paper long abstract:

Dispute Resolution will remain relevant and necessary in as much as man exists. It is a culture and a way of life. The method adopted by the people varies based on their value orientation and the desire to preserve social norms. There existed a robust dispute resolution mechanism in Ika Land prior to the advent of colonial rule that heralded the English court system to Nigeria. The Ika People of Nigeria had a system of dispute resolution mechanism reputed to be simple, inexpensive, friendly and yet effective. Resolutions of disputes were handled by family heads, village heads, elders, kindred, age grade, council of elders, chiefs, chief priests, judicial council among others depending on the nature and gravity. However, the advent of colonial administration with the introduction of English court system diminished it use. Thus, the aim of this paper is to examine afromodernity, and the relevance of dispute resolution mechanism of Ika People of Delta State, Nigeria to make western inspired judicial systems more flexible.