UNUBI AND THE BRITISH INVASION OF 1912

Abstract

Prior to the Berlin West African Conference of 1884 – 1885 and the subsequent scramble and partition of Africa, followed by the designation of spheres of influence and gradual occupation of these areas by the participating powers, Unubi community was just one of the countless typical self governing African communities of the West African sub-region. Located within the confines of Igboland, south-eastern Nigeria, it interacted with its neighbouring communities of Uga, Ekwulumili, Akwihedi, Orsumenyi and Ezinifite in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State. Despite having many socio-cultural similarities with its neighbouring communities, Unubi had some very peculiar traditions. This was the set-up in Unubi community before the advent of the colonial era. The major objectives of the study include: to examine Unubi community prior to the coming of the colonial masters, and the British invasion of Unubi community in 1912; evaluate the general impact of colonialism on the socio-political and geographical life of the community; the impact of the practice of Nso Okuko; ascertain how the imposition of Warrant Chiefs impacted on social relations in the community; and find out how the introduction of Christianity and education affected the socio-cultural life of the community. Using the Marxist Theory of the State as well as the theory of Social Darwinism, this study argues that the colonizers disrupted the development process of Unubi community. Driven by the profit motive as well as the doctrine of the survival of the fittest, the colonizers suppressed every form of resistance by Unubi people, thereby creating a new perception of Unubi people as a “stubborn people”, and engendering a situation of tension and discord between Unubi community and her erstwhile neighbouring communities. Sources of data and materials include textbooks, journal articles, archival material, study documentary, internet materials as well as oral interviews. The study concludes that the advent of colonialism largely redirected the development process of Unubi community, also significantly affected its geographical confines. Equally the introduction of Christianity and education, has permanently redefined the socio-economic and cultural outlook of the community from positive and negative dimensions.

UNUBI AND THE BRITISH INVASION OF 1912