pcr 311 - National Open University of Nigeria

PCR 311 Philosophies and Great Personalities of Peace
Family setting Approach
The homogeneity of family setting is always seen as the basis upon which
community harmony hinged on in African tradition. It is usually an accepted
norm that conflicts must ensue and one of the parties must be the aggressor.
The method of approaching settlement must not aggravate an already tensed
situation but to intervene in such a manner as to ensure that the mutuality
pre-existing is not only continuing but must continue with vigour and style.
Olaoba, O.B. (2002: 54), commenting on extra-judicial methods in African
society had this to say. The judicial procedures upon which justice is
administered are crucial to the African legal heritage. In African societies,
restoration of peace and reconciliation form the basic tenets of law.
Besides tribunals, King’s courts and religious cults,
there are other extra-judicial processes upon which law
and order thrive in African societies. These extrajudicial
processes are such methods which are socially
accepted and endorsed by members of the society. They
are beyond the institutionalised legal processes.
Olaoba is alluding to the invocation of philosophies in African setting
which emphasises keeping alive and stronger family ties and down play
negative methods that could detract family togetherness. The solidarity of the
family is never toyed with. Each African society has its culture, tradition and
norms. Africans tend to believe highly in the Supreme Being and ancestors.
This belief goes along with philosophies often attached to situations by Africans
which have doused tension in very difficult times.
Olaoba, (2002:55) had this to say: in the belief of African people the
Supreme Being is upheld as a perfect judge. For instance, among the Yoruba,
He is given the attribute:
“Adake dajo (A silent judge). Similarly, there is the
saying Amokun jale, bi oba aiye ko ri o, oba oke nwo o”
(he that steals in concealment, if the earthly king does not see you, the
heavenly king is watching you from above). These are very strong invocations of
philosophies distinctly embedded in African culture and geared towards being
each other’s keeper. They pacify aggrieved nerves to take things easy instead of
taking legal processes or other adversarial steps.
Scholars and philosophers as well as people of letters have alluded to
African and European traditions as containing philosophical inputs which
ensure the happy reunion of conflict-torn communities. For example,
Shakespears drama, the novels of Charles Dickens, the essays of Voltaire,
contain brilliant insights into social systems and relationships. In African
setting, when explaining a relationship, it is so common to have statements
like: “My mother who is your mother; “our father, who is your father”, my
mother’s son, your son”; just to assume that we are all homogenous. In short,
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