COLONIALISM AND THE DYNAMICS OF INTRA-AND INTER-GROUP, RELATIONS IN THE NIGER DELTA: SOME REFLECTIONS ON BUASOGHO AND HER NEIGHBOURS, 1900-1960

Abstract

The truism is that the theme of colonialism and its impacts on Africa had for long been the central thrust of both African and non-African scholars around the globe. Apparently, what remains to be analysed and brought to limelight is its actual consequences on the dynamics of intra-and-intergroup relations in Africa, particularly on micro societies like the Ogoni ethnic nationality in which Sogho is situated. Against this backdrop, this paper attempts to investigate the nature, pattern and character of human relations between Sogho and her neighbours during the colonial period. With the adoption of both historical methods and multi-disciplinary approach, this study explores the nexus, linkages, and disconnections caused by colonial rule in the relations among the people. It argues that colonialism was both a blessing and curse. It notes that while the alien rule provided new avenues that succeeded in widening and deepening contacts between Sogho and its neighbouring communities, it on the other hand sowed the seeds of distrust, hatred, mutual suspicion, discrimination, selfishness, irritation, etc. that greatly helped to cause division among the erstwhile interacting communities. This paper calls for all stake holders to appreciate, tolerate, love, cherish and harbour their neighbours’ culture in order to deepen the much cherish ancient ties that bind us together. Pointedly, internal colonialism, ethnic politics, self-aggrandisement, etc. should be eliminated from our body polity while justice, fairness, selflessness, patriotism, etc. should be cultivated, encouraged and promoted