TRADITIONAL CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND MANAGEMENT MECHANISMS FOR COMMUNAL PEACE-BUILDING IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper is centred on traditional mechanisms for conflict resolution and management for communal peace-building in Nigeria. The abandonment of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) embodied in the traditional model/methods of conflict resolution and management for orthodox or foreign models of conflict resolution has been responsible for the lingering and sometimes intractable communal conflicts all over Nigeria, with devastating socio-economic consequences. The paper argued that the salience of traditional conflict resolution and management models is underscored by its cultural and spiritual underpinnings in a multi-religious and multi-cultural society like Nigeria. Thus, the sacredness of, and deep reverence for, the supernatural, ancestors, elders, divination, family/communal shrines, oaths among others are fundamental to the success of any conflict resolution and peace-building efforts in Nigeria. The paper explored the concepts of conflict resolution and conflict management as well as response to conflict situations and conflict management by conflicted parties. Typology and nature of some communal conflicts in Nigeria are examined. Some traditional or indigenous conflict resolution methods are examined in the concluding section. The paper utilized relevant secondary sources of data for its analysis.