On The Customary Law Of Igbo In Nigeria

Igbo has a large population, and it is one of the three largest nations in Nigeria. Igbo people mostly live in south-east of Nigeria. There mainly exist two kinds of laws in Nigeria: common law and customary law, and customary law is still very important. There isn't a kind of consistent customary law in Nigeria. The customary law of Nigeria is made up of various customary laws of each nation in Nigeria. The status of Igbo is very important in Nigeria, so the customary law of Igbo is typical in the country.Like other African nations, the customary law of Igbo in Nigeria is formed during long periods of agricultural production and daily life. At first, it is the oral traditional customs and rules that are approved and also obeyed by people. These traditional customs and rules are relative to the religious belief and value sense of Igbo people closely. The British colonial aggression against Nigeria causes quite some affection on Nigeria. Customary law is more important than common law before the aggression, but the status changed after the aggression. However, the status of customary law is still very important in people's heart. The content of customary law of Igbo is mainly related to civil law field. The main characteristics of Igbo customary law is oral in form, and it reflects special value sense of the Igbo people and expresses highly wholeness during the executing period.The application of customary law of Igbo in Nigeria depends on different grade. First, it is applied at family, extended family, and then at village, town, customary court. Customary court is the highest organ that applies customary law. While to protect their legal rights and benefit, both parties who are not satisfied with the judgment can appeal to the high court or even to the highest court. If both parties become reconciled willingly or mediated to make peace, then they can execute the customary judgment by themselves, or the judgment will be executed by the leaders of each grade or the people they send. People of the whole community can witness the execution of the judgment. The way of execution of the judgment reflects the nongovernmental nature of the customary law of Igbo.Customary law of Igbo is an important part of Nigerian legal culture, while Nigeria is one of the most important countries in Africa, so studying the customary law of Igbo are meaningful to the development of African law system.