STRATEGIC ROLE OF TRADITIONAL INSTITUTION IN CONFLICT PREVENTION AND RESOLUTION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examines the strategic roles of traditional institutions in conflict prevention and resolution in Nigeria. The research is aimed to determine the strategic role that predisposes the prevention and resolution of conflict in Nigeria. The study made use of the Role Theory propounded by George Herbert Mead (1931) as the theoretical framework.  The study relied on descriptive research design. In-depth interviews were conducted on the Traditional Rulers within the eleven electoral wards across Sanga Local Government Area Council of Kaduna State to investigate the strategic role of Traditional Institution in Conflict Prevention and resolution. The eleven traditional rulers were visited and interviewed to ascertain the strategies engaged in settling conflict and also how to prevent further occurrences.  Views were collected from the eleven traditional rulers of the eleven electoral wards and the published and unpublished records of conflicts resolved and the one prevented. The research revealed that traditional institutions in Sanga Local Government Area Council plays significant role in conflict prevention and resolution which ensure peaceful mediation among warring communities. The study also found out that majority believes that there are opportunities and challenges facing the use of traditional institutions in conflict prevention and resolution. These challenges include, political, religious, ethnic and economic. The study thus recommended that a constitutional role be given to the traditional institutions in order to strengthen the multidimensional strategies to tackle conflicts in Nigeria and also recommended is for extensive consultation and giving audience to the victims of the conflicts so as to punish offenders and settle the victims of such offensive act.   Keywords: Tradition, Traditional Ruler, Traditional Institution, Conflict