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Chinwe Ogbonna

Portrait of Chinwe Ogbonna, doctoral student, wearing a red shirt, in front of a blue background

Chinwe Ogbonna

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PhD project: “The Igbo Political Dilemma: Resistance and Adaptation in Colonial, Post-Colonial and Contemporary Times in the Quest to Preserve Cultural Identity”

This study contributes to postcolonial discourse by examining the enduring political and cultural challenges of the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria. Anchored in pre-colonial governance (rooted in consensus, egalitarianism, and communal assemblies led by councils of elders (Ndi Nze)) the research traces how these systems were disrupted under colonial rule. British indirect administration introduced warrant chiefs and native courts whose authority lacked legitimacy, thereby fracturing traditional structures of governance. Resistance to this imposed order culminated in landmark events such as the 1929 Aba Women’s Riot, a defining moment in anti-colonial struggle.

Colonial strategies of divide-and-rule deepened ethnic divisions and created marginalized classes, legacies that contributed to the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970) and continue to shape present-day politics, including separatist agitations and demands for equitable representation.

Using Historical Institutionalism and Postcolonial Theory, this research interrogates the reconfiguration of Igbo political identity and governance in the wake of colonial disruptions. It explores the dismantling of indigenous justice systems, the exclusionary structures of post-independence Nigeria, and the persistence of cultural resistance. Contemporary movements such as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) are thus situated within a long history of marginalization, cultural survival, and struggles for inclusivity.

The study employs a qualitative methodology, drawing on archival research, content analysis,and extensive fieldwork in Nigeria. Over 45 respondents (including traditional rulers, cultural custodians, political actors, and community members) were interviewed. Analysis of this material shows that marginalization and systemic injustice against the Igbo have fuelled continuous agitations for inclusivity, and in some cases, outright calls for separation from the Nigerian state.

Preliminary findings reveal that the perpetuation of colonial-era governance structures has entrenched inequality and exacerbated grievances. Accordingly, the study recommends review of the Nigerian Constitution and related institutional reforms as necessary steps toward addressing historical injustices and fostering a more inclusive national framework.

By adopting a multi-source and critical approach, this project offers a rich, contextual understanding of the Igbo political dilemma across colonial, post-colonial, and contemporary times.

Publications