Osu caste system and human rights in Igboland, 1900-2017

Abstract

Discrimination and caste systems are rife in every society. In Igboland, the Osu caste system is a form of discriminatory practise where the Igbo society is divided into the Diala and Osu. The problem is that this divide comes with human rights restrictions and violations on the part of the Osu which go unreported and unaddressed at both national and international discourses. Literature on the Osu caste system has majorly focused on various aspects with little attention paid to the human rights dimension of the Osu caste system. Thus, this paper seeks to examine the Osu caste system within the human rights prism. The natural rights theory of John Locke is used as framework of analysis. Findings reveal that the people call Osu face all forms of discrimination and violations of their fundamental human rights. Education and psychological counselling, among other factors were recommended in order to eliminate the caste system. Also, religious bodies as well as the social media can play a vital role in the campaign against the Osu caste system.