ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TRADITIONAL DISPUTE RESOLUTION MECHANISMS IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN ABEOKUTA

The emergence and evolvement of legal dispute process has not stopped traditional dispute resolution mechanisms (TDRMS), which have been from time immemorial. The use of TDRMS as alternative conflict resolution technique has continued to generate attention. This study investigated the efficacy of traditional dispute resolution mechanisms (TDRMS) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, with a view to examining its use in curbing crime, investigating how TDRMs prevent disputes from escalating into crime, examining public perceptions and identifying key factors underpinning their success. Mixed method was employed. Data were elicited using structured questionnaires, which were administered to 400 respondents and in-depth interviews conducted with Baales to gain richer insight. Data were subjected to descriptive statistical and thematic content analyses. 83.5% of respondents agreed that TDRMs prevent disputes from escalating into crime, while 87.0% considered them faster and move accessible than the formal courts. 79.5% believed that social enforcement through community sanctions ensured compliance, while 81.2% agreed that TDRMs restored relationship and contributed to long term peace. 20.8% expressed concerns about bias, gender inequality and exclusion of marginalised groups, while many observed that TDRMs were insufficient in addressing serious crimes such as homicide, armed robbery, and organized fraud. These findings underscore that TDRMs play significant role in crime prevention and social order in Abeokuta, implying the need for traditional dispute resolution outcomes to be formally recognised by laws and promoted to enhance fairness, legitimacy, and sustainability of dispute resolution processes.