Restorative justice is a fundamental part of Igbo culture, one of Nigeria’s major tribes. Justice is regarded as a social and moral responsibility, not merely a legal obligation. This justice system emphasizes community harmony and restoring relationships that repair the broken bonds of fraternity rather than imposing punishment. The process challenges the logic of revenge to create a space for peace (Udo). It does not deny the existence of hurt; through Umunna’s mediation, it facilitates true dialogue between both parties, avoids abstraction, produces concrete proposals, and ultimately leads to reconciliation.
The traditional Igbo society is communal in nature, linked by a web of relationships. One’s life revolves around shared responsibilities, collective well-being, and group identity. These relationships are not just casual but are deeply rooted in kinship (umunna), marriage, community roles, and cultural practices. It forms a cohesive social fabric where everyone is interconnected. The Igbo word Nwannem ( Brother or sister) transcends blood-related siblings or extended family to others. Therefore, when someone commits an offense or hurts another, it affects not just the victim but the whole community. It breaks the bond of fraternity that exists among them. Hence, there is a need for justice – ikpenkwumoto literally means upright judgment or straightness in judgment.
Just like the Hebrew concept of rîb, which aims for relational interaction between victim and offender, it seeks truth and reconciliation. The Igbo restorative justice process is usually mediated by the Umunna (the extended family) and Ndi iche (elders), depending on the gravity of the matter. In some cases, women’s groups (Umuada) or age grades (Ndi ogbo) serve as mediators. Its goal is to prompt the wrongdoer to apologize so both parties can be reconciled in truth and justice. A major part of this justice system is its participatory nature, with decisions made through consensus. After reaching an agreement, a symbolic act of restoration—sharing a Kola nut (Oji) or a warm embrace—marks the restored unity. In Igboland, the Kola nut (Oji) symbolizes welcome, peace, and acceptance. Sharing the kola nut is a sacred symbol of peace, acceptance, and reconciliation. A dispute cannot be truly settled until kola is shared again.
Despite the secularization and the advent of the civil courts in Nigeria, the restorative justice system still holds sway in Igbo communities. Litigations adjudicated by civil courts, at times, do not bring lasting peace and leave not much to be desired. The civil courts often leave victims feeling ignored, communities fractured, and offenders alienated, leading to high recidivism rates.
In conclusion, Igbo restorative Justice aligns with Catholic Social doctrines in the search for true justice. A justice that does not thrive on vengeance but on the restoration of love and communion. True justice listens, remembers, forgives, and reconciles. It does not call for an eye for an eye but seeks to heal the community after an eye has been lost. It is only this justice that can heal and restore, rebuild the broken bond of humanity.
Kevin chukwuka
Rome
References
M. NOMEH and W. UGWOKE, « Igbo Jurisprudence: Edeh’s Concept of Justice Towards the Realization of Peace in Igbo-Society», in Madonna University Thought and Action Journal of Philosophy (MU-TAJOP), Vol. 3 No.1 May, 2025, 9-16.