TRADITIONAL METHOD OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN NIGERIA

Traditional method has been involved in solving conflicts in Africa for many decades yet their input in international conflict resolution have not been documented widely compared to the modern conflict resolution techniques. These leaders are still highly respected and used in conflict resolution in Africa and Asia compared to the European States, therefore their input in conflict resolution should not be overlooked, instead they should be encouraged, facilitated and included especially in mediation to be able to have local ownership of peace processes. The research findings were based on broad literature review and were supplemented with focus group discussions, informant interviews and questionnaires. Different categories of respondents were interviewed on the traditional method of conflict resolution; Traditional and religious leaders, political leaders, representatives from Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), academicians, civil societies and special groups (involving the Nigerias in Diaspora). The study established that traditional method has continued to be fundamentally involved in mediation of communal conflicts in Africa since most conflicts in Africa are as a result of unequal distribution of resources, widespread corruption and ethnicity. The study acknowledged that traditional method role in mediation has been successful in peace processes citing the Mgbede religious violence and it's resolution in Akaeze in Nigeria land as an example. Furthermore, the study found out that the role traditional method in mediation has not been given enough support and recognition by the international community hence weakening their role in international conflict resolution. The study realized that despite the continued support for the use of traditional method in mediation, most societies have also disregarded them terming their techniques as old fashion ideologies due to the presence of modern practitioners of mediation and conflict managers. The study concluded by giving some recommendations on how the role of traditional method can be strengthened in international conflict resolution. The study recommended international recognition of these important leaders in mediation processes, facilitation of the traditional method of conflict resolution and more research by conflict resolution scholars on traditional method input in international conflict resolution.