Crisis Management

 
 
 
Yoruba people have different approaches to crisis in terms of prevention, management and resolution.

Most of these crises are internal or domestic, crises among siblings, couples, co-wives, half-brothers/sisters, step-children and the extended family members. The causes are:

External crisis-this type of crisis is usually between communities within the same geographical location or far off. Causes are many and varied: they include community land/boundary, chieftaincy matters, treachery. Crisis between communities do result in civil revolt, in times past, to war.

Crises Settlement.

Family head or husband is first in line to settle dispute in his household, if the crisis is between two family heads, or two women with different husbands; this case will be settled by enlarged family members headed by Olori-Ẹbi, who will listen to all parties, and should there be need for inquiry, he sets up sub-committee of elders to look into the matter.

Findings from the inquiry are submitted, issues then resolved, but where an individual becomes recalcitrant, he may be ex-communicated from the family.

There certain cases beyond the jurisdiction of family, matters on: adultery, theft, treason, murder, family/community land are handled by the Ọba-in-Council. Palace/ward chiefs are assigned the responsibility of settling these crises, where resolutions or agreements are unreachable, enlarged committees with king in attendance be constituted. Since the Ọba, by tradition has unlimited power, and authority over his subjects, it is expected that, whatever judgment he gives will binding on all parties.