UNDERSTANDING THE RITUALISTIC ASPECTS OF AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION AND ITS ROLES IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PEACE IN PRE-COLONIAL IGBO COMMUNITIES.

Abstract

Economic tensions, strong historical grievances, and political instability worsened by colonial legacies make it difficult to resolve conflict and advance peace in Igboland. Reconciliation and lasting peace have also been made more difficult by conflicts over resource distribution, land ownership, and power rivalries between different factions. This research explores the rich tapestry of African Traditional Religion (ATR) in pre-colonial Igbo civilizations, emphasizing the importance of its ritual aspects for preserving societal harmony and cohesiveness. It becomes essential to comprehend the local peacebuilding processes in light of the current struggles and conflicts in Igboland. The main focus of the study issue is the necessity to investigate the ways in which the ceremonial activities inherent in ancient Igbo religion promoted societal harmony, providing valuable perspectives for the possible integration of modern conflict resolution frameworks. The research makes use of the symbolic interactionism theory to investigate how members of the community negotiated common understandings of peace and order, gave meanings to rituals, and participated in symbolic interactions. By providing the lens through which to see the intricate relationships that arise between social positions, cultural beliefs, and ritual practices, symbolic interactionism illuminates the complex processes that underpin reconciliation in Igbo culture. These research issues are addressed by the study using qualitative research methods: How did ritual activities help to promote harmony and settle disputes within the Igbo communities that existed before colonization? What relationships and symbolic meanings were present in these rituals, and how did they support social cohesiveness and order? To understand the complex dynamics of Igbo ritual practices and their implications for reconciliation, a multidisciplinary approach integrating anthropological, historical, and theological studies is used. The results show that the ceremonial components of ATR were effective tools for resolving conflicts, promoting social integration, and preserving order in Igbo communities. The study promotes the use of indigenous knowledge systems in current conflict resolution frameworks and emphasizes their importance in peacebuilding efforts today. Keywords: Rituals, conflicts, lasting peace, communities, pre-colonial and colonization.