Traditional Rulers And Conflict Resolution: An Evaluation Of Pre And Post Colonial Nigeria.

Abstract

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 is accounting mainly for the decades of social conflicts that is manifesting itself in our socio-economic and political circuit. This development does not only renders traditional rulers and her institutions irrelevant but also creates threats to peace, security and stability in the nation. The paper thereby provides brief clarification of the key concept and overview of the roles of traditional rulers and her institutions in conflict prevention, management and resolution in pre and post colonial Nigeria. The paper further evaluates these roles and recommends that, harmonizing norms and values embedded in traditional institutions, being the epitomy and custodians of mystical, religious and symbol of identity of their local people, with the modern system of governance will go a long way in reducing, if not totally eradicate the recent problems facing the new state, most especially, in terms of access to justice and resolution of conflict.

Keywords: Traditional rulers, indigenous conflict resolution, evaluation, harmonization, Nigeria