Rebuilding Ibusa's Internal Governance in Obuzorship: A Revitalization Initiative

By Emeka Esogbue

The Ibusa community is becoming increasingly divisive, with multiple groups and organizations emerging every now and then, each with their own decision-making bodies that often override one another in a community that competition is high and interwoven among cultural organizations. This lack of accountability and centralized leadership is hindering progress. In my studies of various Anioma societies, I have never encountered one as decentralized as Ibusa.

While republicanism which Ibusa claims, encourages citizen participation and prioritizes the common good, it relies on separation of powers among distinct branches of government. However, Ibusa's system has become overwhelmed by disparate voices, traditional gatherings, and powerful individuals, undermining the traditional arms of leadership.

The absence of a functional rule of law, hijacking of power by groups and individuals, and suppression of the traditional judicial system are all detrimental to Ibusa's nature of republican practice. Decision-making power should be distributed among branches of government, not concentrated in every existing organ.

Unfortunately, all the branches of government have either surrendered to emergent mono-power or discordant voices. Where is the Izu Ani, the recognized traditional parliament and how does a society function without the parliament? How exactly will the people's voices be heard? Where is the traditional judicial system?

Why are numerous petitions of Ibusa individuals by Ibusa people going outside the community to the police and law courts freely? How did the people stop believing in the internal judicial system founded by their forefathers but preferring to take their battles to external mediators? Between 2000 and 2025, Ibusa witnessed a surge in court and police cases, with numerous individuals, families, and groups embroiled in legal disputes. Although exact figures are unavailable, the community is notably among those with the highest number of petitions in Delta State, sparking concern among progressive-minded individuals.

The traditional court system of Ibusa is supposed to administer punishment for wrongdoing but it appears not to hold interest for the people any longer because groups and individuals prefer the external judicial system. To perfect its internal governance, Ibusa should revisit its foundational framework and establish a clear separation of powers in the Obuzor system for smoother adninistration:

Legislative Branch: This should make laws. Izu Ani being the Ibusa Parliament should be revived and empowered because it is the voice of the people.

Executive Branch: This should enforce laws with attention and respect from the Ibusa people.

Judicial Branch: The branch should interpret laws while the people re-channel their attention to them in obedience.

The branches should act as checks and balances that should provide balance of power and ensure that no one branch of the community's internal government abuses its authority. There is no perfection in any system of government and even countries revisit their constitutions for amendment purposes. The white paper on the Obuzor system should be reviewed.

A situation every organization tends to wield powers ought to be curtailed to provide a stable and predictable internal governance. The Ibusa people need to re-engineer their minds to respect constituted authority, strengthen institutions, and promote social order in the community. The composition of the Obuzor-in-Council also has to be fully implemented by the required number of traditional officers as stipulated in the white paper.

The revitalization of the Ibusa's internal governance in Obuzorship and respect for constituted authority will enable the community to overcome chaos, conflicts, and breakdowns, ultimately achieving progress and development that the people desire.

Capable individuals should organize youth seminars and workshops to educate young people about Ibusa culture and governance. With moral and cultural values eroding, it's crucial to reconnect youths to their community's heritage and kinship. This can best be achieved by Ibusa people themselves, who can provide authentic guidance and mentorship to prepare the next generation.

A new Ibusa is possible!

DIAMOND JUBILEE AGE: 20 THINGS THE WORLD DOES NOT KNOW ABOUT FRED AJUDUA

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Emeka Esogbue

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