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Abstract

This article is a sociological analysis of the principles of primogeniture in Benin. It discusses the historical background of primogeniture in the Benin kingdom, examines the nature of the roles and rights of primogeniture in Benin prior to and after European contact, and evaluates changes in the system as a result of external contact. The work is a qualitative research project in which a number of Benin indigenes and custodians of Benin culture and tradition were interviewed. The analysis of results shows the effect of the principle of primogeniture in today's Benin society. The study makes recommendations on preventing family disorganization and unstable relationships that may stem from the current adherence to the principle.

Keywords

primogeniture inheritance laws,Benin City Nigeria patrilineage social change

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References

M. A. Onwuejeogwu , B. Okpu , and C. Ebighgbo , African Civilization: Origin, Growth and Development (Benin City, Benin: UTO, 2000), 103-103.

Ibid., 90.

Jacob Egharevba , Benin Law and Custom (Port Harcourt, Nigeria: C. M. S. Niger, 1949), 36-37.

Paul B. Horton and Chester L. Hunt , Sociology (Singapore: McGraw-Hill, 1990).

Talcott Parsons , Sociological Theory and Modern Society (New York: Free Press, 1967).

Ibid.

Robert K. Merton and Robert A. Nisbet , Contemporary Social Problems. An introduction to the Sociology of Deviant Behaviour and social disorganization (New York: Harcourt Brace, 1961).

Egharevba , Benin Law and Custom, 38-38. Also see R. E. Bradbury, “Father, Elders and Ghost in Edo Religion,” in Michael Banton, Anthropological Approaches to the Study of Religion (London: Tavistock, 1966), 127-53.

O. Uzamere , “Customary Law in Benin Kingdom” (paper presented at Symposium on the Benin People during the tenth anniversary of the Coronation of the Oba of Benin, Benin City, December 15-16, 1989).

10.

Egharevba , Benin Law and Custom, 38-38.

11.

Ena Basimi-Eweka , Evolution of Benin Chieftaincy Titles (Benin City, Benin: Uniben Press, 1992).

12.

Chief Nosakhare Isekhure , Interview by authors, Benin City, May 7, 2002.

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Eric Ayisi , An Introduction to the Study of African Culture (London: Heinemann, 1972).

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J. Goody , Death, Property and the Ancestors (Stanford, Calif.: Stanford University Press, 1962).

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M. Osunde , Interview by authors, Benin City, May 10, 2002.

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R. E. Bradbury , Benin Studies (London: Oxford University Press, 1973).

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O. S. B. Omoregie , Great Benin 3: The Age of Ogiso Foundation (900-1050 A.D) (Benin City, Benin: Neraso, 1997), 7-7.

18.

Ibid., 28.

19.

Jacob Egharevba , A Short History of Benin (1936; reprint, Ann Arbor: Michigan State University Press, 1991).

20.

Ibid., 40. See Philip Igbafe , Benin under British Administration: The Impact of Colonial Rule on an African Kingdom 1897-1938 (London: Longman, 1979), 2-2.

21.

Ibid.

22.

I. J. K. Igbinoghene , Interview by authors, Benin City, May 27, 2002.

23.

Ibid.

24.

Chief Nosakhare Isekhure , Interview by authors, Benin City, May 7, 2002.

25.

Ibid.

26.

“Igiogbe/Property Inheritance Law Controversy,”

Benin Studies Newsletter 3, no. 2 (May-August 1998).

27.

Chief John Okundolor , Interview by authors, Benin City, May 28, 2002.

28.

Egharevba , Benin Law and Custom, 30-30.

29.

Ayisi , An Introduction to the Study of African Culture.

30.

E. Elaho and others, Interview by authors, tape recording, Benin City, May 8, 2002.

31.

Ibid.

32.

Chief Ogiamen , Interview by authors, Benin City, May 7, 2002.

An Evaluation of the Principles of Primogeniture and Inheritance Laws Among the Benin People of Nigeria

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