The Impact And Factors Of Inter-group Relationship

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Any study of land and people is essentially a study of intricate processes and stages of change which can be traced to the interplay of the dynamic characteristics of man and his physical environment. The above statement place that people must know not only who they are today, but importantly who they were in the past. The knowledge of their past and present would then inspire them to become what they intend to be in the future. Thus, the history of a particular people and environment is very important and has to be written based principally on facts and evident gathered. In the words of Otoabasi Akpan “History is not only concerned with past facts about a people, it is also the collective memory of a people. If history is taken out of the lives of any society, that society would be lost and its future would be bleak”1. Adding to this, E. H. Carr maintains that history consists of a corpus of ascertained facts2. Facts to historian distilled from different sources such as oral tradition, oral evidence, archaeology and carbon dating. All these sources are interpreted and re-interpreted to produce history. The writing of history firmly based on fact reason being it becomes an identity of a society. David S. Sorenson cited in Otoabasi Akpan’s work argues that:

History provides a sense of identity, pride, grandeur, shame or impotence. Lessons from history sustain people in successive eras: they explain why things are so… All countries and all societies have their myths, rooted in history and designed to solidify support for goals that further the country’s purpose3.To this end, the important end product of history to its ability of teaching man about particular attempt to relive their lives and conditions, avoid certain pitfalls while wonderful achievements of particular era could be nurtured and consolidated4.However, it is observed that, most African societies in the pre-colonial past had sufficed little social change and that these changes established an important condition for the consequential development of the society. 

Eno Ikpe et al, believed that the study of institutional histories are not popular among the Nigerian historians as such could demonstrate the relevance in the societal history of a country such as Nigeria. With great disappointment, the present generation especially (new African historians) does not place interest in knowing and writing their origin, let alone understanding who they lived with as their neighbours5.The importance of African writing her own indigenous history can be gleaned from the remarks of Monday Abasiatta who emphasizes that:

Setting the record of African history straight, which truly is the first task, must be done by Africans themselves but not by foreigners who may have languages and many other problem6.This led to great lost of historical information which ought to play the role of a guidance in the society. In the light of the above premises, it is quite important to examine the history of Ibiono-Itu people, their root and heritage, relations and deal between and among themselves.

Inter-group relations have played a significant role in shaping the history and development of various societies. Among the Ibiono and Itu people, both of whom belong to the Ibibio ethnic group in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, interactions have been characterized by cooperation, conflicts, trade, and cultural exchanges. These relationships have influenced their social structure, economic activities, and overall cultural landscape. Understanding these inter-group dynamics is essential for fostering unity, economic progress, and peaceful coexistence.

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The Ibiono and Itu people have a long history of interaction that predates colonial times. Their relationship has been marked by intermarriages, shared cultural practices, and economic interdependence. However, historical tensions, particularly over territorial disputes and political dominance, have occasionally led to conflicts. Traditional mechanisms such as communal meetings, dispute resolution by elders, and cultural festivals have played a crucial role in maintaining harmony between the two groups.

Despite modernization and the influence of external forces such as colonialism and globalization, these inter-group relationships continue to evolve. The advent of Western education, Christianity, and new economic structures has significantly transformed traditional interaction patterns.

1.3 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

No human society is neither incorrigibly insular, nor irrationally impervious to external idea or internal influence or static and same is applicable to Ibiono-Itu people. This could be witness in the movement of people in and outside from a particular areas. These movement bring about exchange and certain cultural, social, economic and religious affiliations. This is true in the case of Ibiono-Itu people that have developed kinship among and between themselves and also various societies in Ibibio land.The two until recent past existed as a clan in Ibibio land through tradition of origin, migration, trade, war, inter-marriage etc. has exposed the relationship patter of the people and also causes some cultural and social changes among this two.

However, there are some lingering controversies as to what impact and factor resulting from this relation, this controversies on the whole form part of the study.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The objectives of this research include:

1. To examine the nature of inter-group relations among the Ibiono-Itu people.

2. To assess the impact of these relations on social, economic, and political aspects of their communities.

3. To identify the key factors influencing their relationship, including cultural, economic, and political elements.

4. To explore conflict resolution mechanisms historically used and their relevance in contemporary society.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

This study seeks to answer the following research questions:

1. What are the major features of inter-group relations between the Ibiono and Itu people?

2. How have these relationships influenced their economic and social structures?

3. What factors have contributed to both harmony and conflicts among them?

4.How have traditional conflict resolution methods evolved over time?

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This research is significant because it provides insights into the historical and contemporary relationship between the Ibiono and Itu people. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for policymakers, historians, and community leaders who seek to promote peaceful co-existence and economic development. Additionally, the study contributes to the broader discourse on inter-group relations in Nigeria, offering a case study that can be applied to similar ethnic and communal interactions.

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study focuses on the relationship between the Ibiono and Itu people in Akwa Ibom State. It examines their historical interactions, economic exchanges, cultural practices, and conflict resolution mechanisms. While the primary focus is on events from the pre-colonial era to contemporary times, references may be made to broader historical contexts that have influenced their interactions.

1.7 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

Some limitations encountered in this study include:

Limited Historical Documentation: Much of the history of Ibiono-Itu relations is based on oral traditions, which may be subject to bias or distortion.

Accessibility to Information: Some key informants may be reluctant to share details about conflicts or sensitive aspects of inter-group relations.

Time Constraints: The study is limited in scope due to time constraints, making it difficult to explore all dimensions of the relationship.

1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Inter-group relations: The interactions, cooperation, and conflicts between different ethnic or social groups within a given geographical area.

Cultural exchange: The sharing of customs, traditions, and values between groups.

Economic interdependence: The reliance of two or more groups on each other for trade, commerce, and resource sharing.

Conflict resolution mechanisms: Traditional or modern strategies used to resolve disputes between groups.