30 Years of Ahiajoku Lectures 1979-2009: Anthropology and Law, A Critical Survey

Abstract

Ahiajoku Lectures is a rich, seminal public lecture established in Imo State - Nigeria since 1979. The output of this lecture series has been phenomenal, creating dependable sources for various aspects of Igbo studies and opening up new vistas of research outlets especially about the Igbo people of Southeast Nigeria. This paper first assesses the contribution of the Lecture series to public enlightenment, over the first 30 years of its existence (1979 – 2009), especially with regards to critical study of the Igbo people and, concentrating on the contributions of the Lecture series in the areas of Anthropology and Law, makes a critical analysis of the offerings of the Lecture series in these two very important dimensions of the knowledge and cultural heritage of the Igbo people. This paper is an effort to debrief the Lecture series, to highlight its importance and role, as well as to focus the searchlight on its rich contributions in the areas of Anthropology and Law.