HISTORICIZING MARRIAGE SYSTEMS IN IKWERRE NATIONALITY OF RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA FOR PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE, 1800 - 2010

Abstract

Marriage is an approved union between couples with which legitimate sex is guaranteed with the expectation of children. The paper interrogates the marriage system of the Ikwerre as a panacea for peaceful co-existence, hence, it argues that marriage promotes social status of individuals, bestows cohesion, unity, stability, peace and harmony which are pre-requisite for economic development and nation building. The stages of marriage negotiations such as introduction okwu-aka-nu-oro, tearing of friendship agreement for those that engaged in pre-marital affairs ordor-wa-orkwukwo-oyii, payment for the bride’s parents ome-ha-nne-nu-nda, presentation of drinks to kinsmen rumunda-wuo-ru-manya and the payment of bridewealth okwu-onu-erkwu-nwere were highlighted. The paper explains that adultery is a serious offence among married women in Ikwerre and attracts punishment on anyone caught. Inter-disciplinary approach, primary and secondary sources were explored in the reconstruction of the work