Implications of traditional penal code for adultery among the Igbo communities of Southeastern Nigeria

Traditional penal code has been in practice among the Igbo of Southeastern Nigeria from time out of mind. Using the purposive sampling technique, four villages in two communities in Enugu-Ezike, which include Aji, Umu-ogbu agu (Essodo), and Ogrute, Umu-opu (Ozzi), were evaluated to understand the nature of the traditional penal code for adultery and its implications. The Ndishi tradition, a traditional penal code in Igbo communities in Southern Nigeria, represents harmful cultural norm with its attendant stigma, affecting social justice, gender equality, and human rights, particularly for women involved in adultery. With a qualitative method, primary data were elicited through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGD); secondary data were also collected, and both were analyzed descriptively. The power of men to establish the rules governing society and family life was evaluated using Marxist-feminist theory. Findings revealed that the penal code for adultery includes public humiliation, madness, health issues, death, and others. The major implication is that the human rights of women are mostly violated.