SOME NOTES ON THE TRADITIONAL BELIEF SYSTEMS: THE CASE OF TRIAL BY ORDEAL IN GAWU DISTRICT, c. 1750-1940.

Abstract

The traditional belief systemsof Gawu people was a great influencer to its ability in handling serious and heinous crimes through the used trail by ordeal. The practice brought discipline and instituted crime free society to the admiration of its neighbors. The practice may appear unorthodox and brutish but have to a great extent its advantages. The objective was to establish how this traditional practice was effectively applied and its attendant’s results in the society. However, as a result of increased spread of orthodox religions, particularly Islam and Christianity, the traditional belief systems and trial by ordeal have drastically declined.