Showkeys: Indigenous governance system of the Sheko people, SWR, Ethiopia

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.