Abstract
The traditional and classical culture of the Igbo people of West Africa reveals a fascinating approach to the issue of political leadership. Unlike many of their neighbours in Southern Nigeria, Igbo people did not, on the whole, maintain centralized polities run by a king or any other individual strongman. In fact a popular proverb and slogan, which has been handed down as an article of faith, reveals their contempt for kings. Igbo Enwe Eze (Igbo have no king), the Igbo chant whenever they feel they are being bossed around too much by their neighbours or others who would be ‘king’ over them.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Achebe, C. 1988. Hopes and Impediments. Oxford: Heinemann.
Achebe, C. 2000. Home & Exile, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Economic Commission for Africa 2007. Relevance of African Traditional Institutions of Governance, Addis Ababa.
Okafor, O. C. 2000. After Martyrdom: International Law, Sub-state Groups and the Construction of Legitimate Statehood in Africa, Harvard International Law Journal 41(2).
Palast, G. 2003. Best Democracy Money Can Buy. London: Robinson Publishing.
Uwazie, E. 1991. Modes of Indigenous Disputing and Legal Interactions among the Ibos of Eastern Nigeria, Journal of Legal Pluralism 34.
Wambu, O. 2007. Leadership and Followership in an African Village. In O.Wambu (ed.) Under the Tree of Talking – Leadership for Change in Africa. London: Counterpoint, British Council.
Editor information
Copyright information
© 2012 Onyekachi Wambu
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Wambu, O. (2012). The Modern Challenges Facing Traditional Igbo Village Leadership. In: Turnbull, S., Case, P., Edwards, G., Schedlitzki, D., Simpson, P. (eds) Worldly Leadership. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230361720_13
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230361720_13
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
Print ISBN: 978-1-349-32990-8
Online ISBN: 978-0-230-36172-0
eBook Packages: Palgrave Business & Management CollectionBusiness and Management (R0)