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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Self-determination and the struggle for ethno-cultural autonomy in Nigeria: the Zangon-Kataf and Ogoni problems
Author:Okwu-Okafor, Obiora C.ISNI
Year:1994
Periodical:Annual conference - African Society of International and Comparative Law
Volume:6
Pages:88-118
Language:English
Geographic term:Nigeria
Subjects:Kaje
Ogoni
self-determination
Abstract:In the first part of this paper, the author reviews contemporary notions and questions regarding the right to self-determination of both colonial peoples and the component ethnocultural groups in already independent States. He argues that the concept of self-determination is now a mature international legal right. Ethnic groups which are englobed by the arbitrarily demarcated national frontiers of today's Africa are entitled to assert their right to self-determination in the face of opposition from the parent political units. The right to self-determination may include a right to secession, confederation, federation or local self-management, depending on the particular circumstances of each case. In the second part, the author studies the ethnocultural conflicts that have emerged in the Zangon-Kataf and Ogoni areas of Nigeria. He argues that the demands of the Bajju (Kaje), Kataf (Atyab), Kamantan and Ikulu peoples of the Zangon-Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State and those of the Ogoni people of the Niger Delta area for some form of sociopolitical and economic authority are merely demands for local self-management and federation within the already existing parent unit. Such demands do not conflict with the norm in favour of the territorial integrity of States and therefore should be granted. In conclusion, the author makes some recommendations to help solve worldwide claims for self-determination. Ref.
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