Julie E. Dunia,
Olukayode A. Faleye, PhD
&
Anthony O. Ogette
Abstract
This paper examines political changes and social strife in colonial Esanland. Studies have discussed
the impact of European imperialism on the socioeconomic and political development of ethnic
nationalities in Nigeria. However, the associated changes in political institutions and attendant
social conflicts in the Esan culture area of colonial Edo province are understudied. Against this
backdrop, this paper deployed the social conflict theory to examine political change and social
strife during colonial rule in Esanland. It adopts the historical method of data analysis based on
colonial archival records and extant literature. The study revealed that the colonial political
institutions alienated local political tradition with implications for social cohesion, peace and
development in Esanland. This paper maintained that reorganizing society to foster a feeling of
belonging and a shared responsibility for the general well-being of the community is the only way
to settle social strife.
Introduction
This paper deployed the social conflict theory to examine political change and social strife during
colonial rule in Esanland. In the pre-colonial period, the Esan people traded with the Europeans
through Benin middlemen. The articles of trade include clothes, arts and crafts from Esan as well
as mirrors and firearms from Europe (Osagie, 2014). The need to expand the market for European
products in the face of European industrialization led to political struggle and…