A Comparative Study of Conflict Resolution Models in Genesis 13:1 – 18 and Idofin Odo-Ashe Community: Lessons for Crises-Ridden Nigerian Communities

Abstract

Conflicts abound and are inevitable. They are not limited to any class of people. What makes the difference, however, is how we handle it because many families, communities and relationships have either been torn apart or are in pain resulting from unresolved conflicts. From a comparative viewpoint, the study examined the sources of conflicts and the modes of resolution in the Abraham vs. Lot (Gen 13) and the Idofin odo-Ashe vs. Irodo communities. We realized that the conflict between the Idofin odo-Ashe vs. Irodo communities took a serious turn culminating in loss of life and prolonged legal battle because of selfishness and greed on the part of the Irodos, and unpatriotism on the part of the Idofin Odo-Ashe people. Although the latter finally showed a sense of patriotism, that was rather too late and self-centered, too. The Abraham vs. Lot conflict produced the opposite. While the conflict revealed Lot’s selfishness and greed, Abraham’s patriotic and selfless attitude which culminated in compromising his natural right and privileges provided permanent solution to the rift. We therefore recommended that crises-ridden communities should embrace Abraham’s unconventional approach as antidote to loss, divorce, pain and prolonged legal battles which accompany unresolved conflicts.

Keywords: conflicts, resolution, selfishness, patriotism, compromise