Ezi-na-Ulo and Umunna: In Search of Democratic Ideals in Traditional Igbo Family

Abstract

This write-up intends to locate democratic ideals the traditional Igbo family in search of democratic ideals suitable for African societies. This is done using the tool of hermeneutics. The nature of Igbo family inheres from the Igbo world-views. Igbo family is an interconnectedness of beings, visible and invisible, that mutually coexist. It is an integral whole comprising of the living, the dead and the unborn. A hermeneutical analysis of ezi-na-ulo gives rise to a family characterized by dialogue, consensus, freedom and mutual understanding. One easily observes that these are ingredients for building a stable human society. This in a way accounts for the reason why the Igbo-African family serves as a model for modern socio-political and economic theories and action.