Exploring Human Rights in Traditional Igbo Society: A Study of Achebe’s Things Fall Apart And Ezeigbo’s The Last of the Strong Ones

Abstract

This paper entitled “Exploring Human Rights and Traditional Igbo Society in Achebe’s Things Fall Apart and Ezeigbo’s The Last of the Strong Ones” examines the portrayal of the complex interplay between traditions and modernity in the light of human rights policies and its impact on societal norms and cultural practices in a pre-colonial Igbo society. This paper employs a qualitative approach in identifying the concepts of justice and equity related to the pre-colonial Igbo society. It applies two qualitative research designs; ethnographical and historical as it is based on the colonial history of the Igbos while interrogating their practices and customs. Situating this research in postcolonial criticism, this paper interrogates the tensions arising from the clash between indigenous customs and European impositions in a bid to highlight the human rights and justice systems within the African tradition. The analysis reveals the intricate dynamics of human rights within the traditional Igbo society. It also exposes conflict resolution tactics as well as gender dynamics and relationships. It divulges the imposition of European practices on well-established norms and customs leading to profound shifts in societal dynamics. This research contributes to scholarly discourse on African literature, human rights and cultural studies by offering a nuanced examination into Achebe and Ezeigbo’s portrayals of tradition and justice. Based on the findings of this research, it is recommended that further research explores the implications of African narratives for contemporary discourses on human rights and cultural preservation.