International Journal of Multidisciplinary and Educational Research (IJMER)
Oral Traditions, Storytelling, Performance, and Indigenous Diplomatic Practices among the Epie and their Neighbours
E-ISSN: 6575-5565
P-ISSN: 3427-2556
DOI: https://iigdpublishers.com/article/1558
This study examines Oral Traditions, Storytelling, Performance, and Indigenous Diplomatic Practices among the Epie and their Neighbours as mechanisms for fostering inter-group relations in the Central Niger Delta. While existing scholarship has largely treated oral traditions as cultural expressions, this research argues that they also function as indigenous diplomatic instruments for peace-making, alliance formation, conflict resolution, and social cohesion. The study adopts Symbolic Interactionism Theory, which explains how shared symbols, narratives, rituals, and performances shape social meanings and collective relationships among communities. Two thematic foci guide the analysis: oral traditions and storytelling as instruments of indigenous diplomacy and alliance-building, and performance practices as mechanisms for conflict resolution and social cohesion among the Epie and neighbouring groups. Drawing on oral historical evidence and inter-disciplinary literatures, the study reveals that folktales, proverbs, songs, festivals, and ritual performances served as channels for transmitting diplomatic values, negotiating disputes, reinforcing mutual obligations, and sustaining peaceful coexistence. The study contributes to knowledge by expanding the understanding of diplomacy beyond formal statecraft to include indigenous communicative practices embedded in local cultures. It concludes that Epie oral traditions remain valuable resources for community peacebuilding and recommends their preservation and integration into contemporary conflict-management initiatives.
Sambo Johnson MADIGWE, Barbara Aluku EPERE & Jane Funkebi TOUNAREGHA
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