REVISITING DISPUTE RESOLUTION OPTIONS AMONG THE PEOPLE OF IKWO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EBONYI STATE

Abstract

Dispute especially on land related matters and interest on issues of concern to individuals and groups is one of the greatest challenge facing human beings in the society. This study aimed to revisit dispute options available among the people of Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State through the descriptive research design with a population of 551,414 and a sample size of 400. Adopting the qualitative research method with the use of questionnaire and in-depth oral interviews to elicit information from the research respondents, the following findings were made. Firstly, the available options of dispute resolution among the Ikwo people include negotiation, meditation, conciliation, arbitration and oath taking. Secondly, adjudication is not popular dispute resolution among the people of Ikwo. Lastly, the research respondents agree that taking the option of adjudication on dispute resolution will make the people to lose control of empathy when that becomes necessary in resolution process. The study is anchored on Aggression and Frustration theory for analytical understanding. The study finally recommended the peace building process in the area for the new generation.