RELIGION AND PRE-COLONIAL IGBO DIPLOMACY- THE NNEWI EXAMPLE

Abstract

There are a few scholars who are of the view that a large proportion of African societies including Igbo land in the pre-colonial era were not involved in diplomatic practices until the takeover of the region by the Europeans. Yet it would be difficult to accept such assertion hook, line and sinker especially in the light of the various inter-group relations that took place among the various African societies in the pre-colonial era. Human existence and the various co- operations that go with it has made the practice of diplomacy essential among groups of human societies including African societies in pre-colonial times. Hence right from the pre-historic age when people began to come together in societies it was necessary for them to co-exist and co- operate in their quest to harness nature and in their efforts to subdue and muster the environment to man’s advantage. Therefore the practice of diplomacy in pre-colonial Igbo land was not a strange phenomenon, as diplomacy was practiced through various modes/channels and at different levels. Thus, this work is targeted at highlighting religion as a key mode/channel by which diplomacy was practiced during the pre-colonial times in Igbo land generally and particularly in Nnewi. This to a great extent would prove that religious activities did facilitate diplomatic practices in pre-colonial Igbo land. Religion in pre-colonial times hence provided the avenue for religious co-operation, alliances and intergroup relations between Nnewi and her neighboring communities as well as among other Igbo communities, thereby enhancing diplomatic intercourse among the various Igbo communities.