African customary law is controversial. This is due to the dissonance between the past and present. The social settings in which Africans interact have changed over time. These changes have been characterised by a tense relationship between indigenous customs and statutory laws with colonial origins.

Laws imposed on African countries through colonial transplants will eventually merge with their indigenous laws into a common law. So, are African countries ready for the integration of their legal orders? The answer is obviously no. But are they desirous of integrating their legal orders? The answer is yes.