Assessment Of The Roles Of Traditional Rulers In Conflict Resolution

Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

Conflict is viewed as the process of interaction which results in the incompatibility, disagreement or dissonance between social entities (Afzalur, 2010). It is also defined as those activity between individuals or groups which are mutually inconsistent regarding the quest for the fulfillment of their wants, needs or obligations. Michael Nicholson (1992). Conflict in groups is often caused by differences of opinion between members, or scarcity of resources which often leads to conflict escalation and then conflict resolution stage, after which the enhances group interaction again (Sophia Jowett, 2007). The application of traditional conflict management process have been proven to be effective over time as it improves social relationships creating harmony, resolving and managing conflict. It is deeply rooted in the customs and traditions of Africa. The exclusion of traditional rulers in conflict resolution processes has also contributed to the escalating rate of conflict in the nation. Conflict management is a healing process which requires the participation of all stakeholders to the healing process so as to rebuild the social harmony that was destroyed. In contemporary society the existence of Traditional conflict resolution mechanisms still at work at the grass root level where the communities exchange gifts and slaughter animals. A typical illustration is Karamoja in Uganda and other pastoralist societies in Kenya which uses their traditional elders to resolve conflicts within the local communities (Choudree R.B.G, 1999, Ndumbelll Kum’a, 2001). It is essential that African traditional leaders be involved in conflict management especially within their domain since the basic objective of the traditional elders is to maintain peace in their clans. The culture of African traditional community respect maintains and strengthens the traditional ruling institution as the external mediator will not have an in depth understanding of a conflict compared to the traditional leader who lives within the domain of the community (Birgit Brock-Utne, 2001). The study seeks to offer an assessment of the roles of traditional rulers in conflict resolution. A case study of Kaura local government area of Kaduna state.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The neglect of traditional institution and the Non participatory roles of traditional rulers in the present day administration as compared to their roles in managing and resolving conflict in pre-colonial Nigeria constitute one major reason for the increasing rate of social conflicts in many of our communities, towns and cities. This development renders traditional rulers and her institutions irrelevant and also constitute as threats to peace, security and stability in the nation. The government and other stakeholders in the course of strengthening international and regional organizations to deal with international conflict management have neglected internal solutions to conflict management. This has led to foreign interference especially in areas where there is heavy dependence on foreign aid, forgetting that as conflict is inherent in a society, so are the mechanisms in solving it. The neglect of the role of traditional authority in mediation has contributed to the development of protracted conflict in many communities, towns and cities. The problem confronting the study is to proffer an assessment of the roles of traditional rulers in conflict resolution. A case study of Kaura local government area of Kaduna state.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The Main Objective of the study is to proffer an assessment of the roles of traditional rulers in conflict resolution. A case study of kaura local government area of Kaduna state;

The specific objectives include:

To determine the nature and process of conflict resolution.

To determine the roles of traditional rulers in conflict resolution.

To determine the effects of the roles of traditional rulers in conflict resolution in kaura local government area of Kaduna state.

1.4 Research Questions

What is the nature and process of conflict resolution?

What are the roles of traditional rulers in conflict resolution?

What are the effects of the roles of traditional rulers in conflict resolution in kaura local government area of kaduna state?

1.5 Statement of the Hypotheses

The statement of the hypotheses for the study are stated in Null as follows:

Ho1: The level of conflict in Kaura local government area of Kaduna state is low.

Ho2: The effects of the roles of traditional rulers in conflict resolution in Kaura local government area of Kaduna state is not significant.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The study shall attract the attention of government and relevant agencies to revive the role of traditional rulers in conflict resolutions especially in domains where they exist as leaders. It shall also provide the needed information for policy makers and relevant stakeholders.

1.7 Limitation of the Study

The study was confronted with logistics and geographical factors.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Conflict Defined

Conflict is viewed as the process of interaction which results in the incompatibility, disagreement or dissonance between social entities. M. Afzalur Rahim (2010).It is also defined as that activity between individuals or groups which are mutually inconsistent regarding the quest for the fulfillment of their wants, needs or obligations. Michael Nicholson (1992). Conflict in groups is often caused by differences of opinion between members, or scarcity of resources which often leads to conflict escalation and then conflict resolution stage, after which it enhances group interaction again.

Conflict Resolution Defined

A conflict resolution is the realignment of clashed interest. Differences of opinion, disagreements, between people or entities.

Mediation Defined

Mediation involve the reconciliation of two opposing forces within a given society through the intervention of a third party who serve as a middle person to bring the opposing parties together as active participants in the dispute resolution process with objective of bring both parties to agreement under the terms and conditions agreed by all parties.