Abstract:
This research sought to explore Showkeys: Indigenous governance system of the Sheko people,
in South West Ethiopia. Pertinent to this, mixed research approach with exploratory and
household survey research design was employed. Cluster sampling technique was used to select
research participants. Information was gathered primarily using key informant interviews and
FGD. Data analysis was made using the thematic analysis technique.
This research found that the Sheko people are one of the ethnic groups in Ethiopia with distinct
administrative system. The power structure in the ISG of the Sheko people is characterized by
hierarchical relationship based on blood descent includes the Koynab (the King) at the top who
is the most responsible person and crowned the kingship, following the Koynab (the King), there
are Komtu (Clan leaders) which have significant role in conflict resolution systems and
traditional governance. Lastly at the bottom, of the hierarchical structure there are socially
respected individuals called Yab babu (local elders) which are great role in solving less
political ,social and economic matter with in there locality.
The finding of this study was also showed that although indigenous governance system is stayed
significant, that the local government structure at zonal, woreda and Kebeles level did not give
emphasis and support the indigenous governance systems The major letdown traits to integrate
the indigenous governance systems of sheko people with the modern local government currently
is political factors, Religious factor, Modernization, rapid expansion of civilization and
urbanization.
At last, the study found that sheko peoples have high attitude towards practicing their
indigenous governance system for solving their countless socio-cultural, economic and political
difficulties.
