THE UTIT OBIO CULTURAL VALUES AS RELATED TO MARRIAGE AND THEIR CHANGES

CHAPTER ONE

BACKGROUND OF STUDY

            This study had to be done because the continued pervasions and even clamor for the abolition of marriage institution in our time has reached a stage that necessitates its ardent defense that hinges o the categorical imperative. It is obvious that marriage institution in Utit Obio clan actually experiencing challenges of the revival and not becoming moribund. As it is the case with many other civilized communities in the world, Utit Obio clan has experienced tremendous changes overtime in her marriage practices and other aspects of life.[1]

            Marriage as an institution is described as an important phenomenon among the Utit Obio people. Chastity and purity were considered the choice of bride. The brides were not allowed to meet or see the man not until after the marital rites. The girl had to voicelessly accept whomever she was married to.

            In Utit Obio clan, if a girl was found not to be chaste, she was disgracefully returned to her parent, and then the bride price returned. It was the duty of the parent especially the mother to see to it that her girl children were not loose. It was a thing of pride for parents when the chastity and purity of their daughters were proven.

            With the advent of Europeans, the indigenous practices in marriage and other indigenous practices faded away. In Utit Obio Clan most people even prefer to do the westernize marriage (white wedding abandoning the traditional marriage. Other will first wed in the church and later do the indigenous marriage.[2]

            Barely does a year passes without the social condition of life, mode of dressing, social norms etc. not changed. Most of these indigenous practices were beneficial and inexpensive.

            More research needs to be done on marriage institution in our time. The changes brought about due to the coming of the Europeans have received little or no oversight by scholars and researchers. People needs help to properly understand the institution of marriage.

            Thus, this research project seeks to provide an understanding of Utit Obio cultural values as related to  marriage and the changes connected with it.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

            Marital practices in a particular area varies from another. Some people are known due to ignorance to have advocated for the abolition of marriage institution (as was done centuries ago). The Utit Obio indigenous are faced with these challenges of the changing face of marriage.

            Marriage, like other cultural themes has attracted wide study, such study have underlined, among other, the nature, forms types, process and even the place of marriage in the clan. What have not received much attention is the many traditional rites in the clan which most people have tried to stop. Such practices can result in death if care is not taken.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

This work has the following objectives:

1. To examine the different marriage rite in Utit Obio clan overtime.
2. To establish the place of marriage in Utit Obio clan
3. The examine thechanges in the marriage system overtime
4. To interconnector relate marriage with political socio-cultural  and the economic institution

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This study adopts the descriptive and analytical methods of research and presentation. In this study both the primary and secondary source have been used to gather information.

The primary sources include oral interviews which were conducted o persons who were acquitted with the history and traditions of the Utit Obio people .

Secondary source include various information from published works, Journals, Monographs, articles and in published works.