THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MBIAM (TRADITIONAL CONCOCTED OATH) IN CONFLICT MANAGEMENT IN IBIBIO TRADITIONAL SOCIETY

Abstract

This work examines the effectiveness of mbiam (oath) in conflict management in Ibibio traditional society. It is important to note that conflict is a social problem that is difficult to stop as far as human beings exists. Hardly, does any society exist without some form of conflict; it is a necessary ingredient of human existence; hence, any human society there is bound to be conflict of many sorts. Due to the prevalence of conflicts, social vices such as stealing, dishonesty, falsehood, etc and the inability for the modern system of law enforcement to combat issues, mbiam, the traditional concocted oath has therefore, been utilised as a mechanism, a traditional religious instrument to combat and address these social ills in the traditional society even if it is imperfectly done with its associated dangers. Significantly, the rationale behind this study reveals why conflict and the need of utilising mbiam, Ibibio traditional concocted oath for conflict management and the sustenance of peace in a traditional society. The work employed survey method, and it is revealed that the fear of mbiam among Ibibio traditional society even in the contemporary scare the people from intense conflicts and instill truth telling, orderliness in the lives of the populace. The work recommends that though mbiam is an effective mechanism in conflict management in Ibibio traditional society, it should not be used in all cases, and whenever it is instituted, high precautionary measures should be taken to avoid excessive harm among the populace.