THE ROLE OF AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION IN THE PROMOTION OF JUSTICE, RECONCILIATION, AND PEACE IN IGBO LAND: A CASE STUDY OF NNEWI TOWN (2000-2023)

Every society has developed one form of institution or the other for a peaceful coexistences, orderliness and progress. These institutions are mainly in the form of religion, so is it in Nnewi in Anambra State as in other parts of Igboland. The Igbo is inextricably tied to their religion and everything they do is governed by the dictates of the religion. From the beginning of a man's life in Igboland until his death, all he does is expected to be in accordance with his religion. This study therefore examines the role of African Traditional Religion in the promotion of justice, reconciliation, and peace in Igbo land with Nnewi as a case study. The method of data analysis adopted in this research work is culture area approach. Data was sourced from both primary and secondary materials. The study discovers that sanctions, taboos, the fear of the gods and the institution of the ancestors, African Traditional Religion has been able to promotion of justice, reconciliation, and peace in Igbo land in Nnewi. In the end, the study concludes that African traditional religion plays a significant role in promoting justice, reconciliation, and peace in Nnewi town, particularly in Igbo land. From 2000 to 2023, the values, beliefs, and practices of African traditional religion have contributed to the maintenance of social harmony, resolution of disputes, and fostering of peace within the community.