Jigaa Institution The Surviving Gadaa Court among the Jimma Oromo, Ethiopia

Abstract

This article focuses on jigaa institution of conflict resolution among Jimma Oromo in Omo Naaddaa district. The institution is historically and functionally linked to the gadaa system in general and the Odaa Hullee of the Jimma Oromo in particular. Regardless ofthe fact that Odaa Hullee, the gadaa center of Jimma Oromo and other activities pertinent to it have been weakened by the emerged monarchial rule and Islamization over the area,jigaa institution and jigaa court have survived to date. Data for this article were drawn from primary sources through observations, interviews, focus group discussions and casestudies. Data were interpreted and described thematically. The finding of this work indicated that still gadaa system has been serving as the source of basic principles of maintaining peace and social order over the area. Since its inception, the jigaa institution has been serving as First Instance Court, Appellant Court and Supreme Court. The finding further indicated that cases are testified to prove or disprove the alleged truth of acase under investigation using both sacred and secular ways. The same mechanisms arealso employed in enforcing decisions. Jigaa institution is prevailing among the Jimma Oromo because it is value oriented, cheaper and easily accessible mechanism of conflictre solution. Finally, the authors recommend legal ground for the promotion, consumption and protection of jigaa institution.