Ancient Wars in Esanland Up to the Early 1900s: Relevance in Contemporary International Politics

Odion Simon  Ehiabhi,

Ancient Wars in Esanland Up to the Early 1900s: Relevance in Contemporary International Politics

Abstract:

The causes of war anywhere in the international system are as illogical as the passion involved in executing the war. There are various reasons why war occurs and these reasons, whatever they are, provide parties involved in war the justification for warfare. The paper argues that war is preventable if only humanity could control the influence of pride, ego, and the use of aggression. The article uses ancient wars in Esanland of Nigeria as bases to argue that the reasons why nations go to war in contemporary international politics are basically attributable to weaknesses in human nature. “War is the greatest of all crimes, and yet there is no aggressor who does not colo[u]r his crime with the pretext of justice.”

The above assertion views war from a moral perspective, but there are various reasons why war occurs and these reasons, whatever they are, provide parties involved in war the justification for warfare. The predominance of war in the international system has made “warfare… one of the more common events in the history of man.” says Krause.

Really, contrary to Krause's opinion, man could do without warfare for his survival, if only he could control his pride and ego, and the use of aggression. Ancient wars in Esanland up to the 1900s were indeed fought with the pretext of fighting for justice, except the war against British colonialism. The real reason for most of the wars in Esanland, and in contemporary international politics were (are) of course beyond the vicinity of justice, rather, the weakness in human nature could be held responsible for the causes of wars.

In order to appreciate our discussion using an ancient African community as a case study, the paper is segmented into five parts. The first part concerns itself with the geography of Esanland, part two takes a look at the nature of Esan military organization; causes of wars and commentaries will engage us in part three; part four demonstrates the relevance of ancient wars in Esanland in relation to contemporary international politics; while part five summarizes our discussion. However, we are indebted to Dr. C. G. Okojie, who documented for posterity, the ancient wars, and the bulk of information we have presented in this discussion.