AN ANALYSIS OF OKASIBI INDEGENOUS METHOD OF CONFLICT MANAGEMENT

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Many different sorts of conflict may be found in Africa's many different groups, just as they can be found in any other human society. The variety of communities that have been impacted by these conflicts has led to an equally diverse range of responses (Run,2019). In these modern times, there has been a discernible upward trend in the recognition of the role of indigenous approaches to the resolution of high-tempo, mid-tempo, and low-tempo conflicts, all in an effort to promote harmonious coexistence in society. This is one of the many steps that can be taken to achieve this goal. Even though the methods of resolving conflicts that are used by Africa's indigenous communities aren't all the same, they are all guided by the idea that achieving peace isn't just about putting an end to fighting or finding a solution to a problem; rather, it's more about mending broken relationships (Malan, 2017; Komuhangi, 2016). 

This idea has its origins in the indigenous and traditional ways to the prevention, resolution, and building of peace in the aftermath of conflict, all of which have been largely excluded from the predominant systems for resolving conflicts. What were the fundamental causes of strife in African communities before colonial rule? What other approaches were there to settling conflicts? How do the wars that raged in Africa's traditional era stack up to the wars that rage throughout the continent today? How may a better knowledge of the methods indigenous people have used to resolve problems in the past help to resolve issues in the present? Is it possible to elevate the common methods and spirit of indigenous conflict resolution in order to establish a more comprehensive framework for conflict resolution? Is it possible to combine indigenous practices with Western ideas in order to develop a homegrown strategy that is more successful? Is it possible for Africa to create a system of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) that will allow it to deal with the many and apparently intractable problems that it faces? In the process of conflict resolution in Africa, what part should traditional methods of peacebuilding play if any at all? (Berhe,2011). What are some important life lessons that the Okasibi people can teach the rest of Africa? What different kinds of conflicts occur in the region that need to be resolved through the Okasibi indigenous conflict resolution process, and where do these conflicts originate? How are the traditional steps of the Okasibi dispute resolution technique implemented in the present era? What kind of a capacity does the Okasibi indigenous dispute resolution mechanism have to be carried out? How long-term can the Okasibi indigenous dispute resolution process be expected to be effective? What are the mechanisms for resolving indigenous conflicts in the Okasibi region, and what are their strengths and weaknesses? The above questions are some of the most important ones that have arisen as a result of the issues that are driving this study, and they inspired the researcher to analyze the Okasibi indegenous method of conflict management.

Statement of the problem

In point of fact, disputes are unavoidable and an inherent component of the essence of humans. The long-running hostilities in Africa have been resolved by employing official institutions, but this has not led to a lasting settlement of the conflict or peace in the region. In addition to this, the formal institution is removed from the general populace, requires a significant amount of time and resources, is extremely formalistic, has procedures that are unclear and yields results that are unsure, and is preoccupied with individual capability and the punishment of the individual (Mac,2018). There is a widespread lack of confidence among individuals in both the fairness and the effectiveness of the official system. This research therefore sought to analyze the Okasibi indegenous method of conflict management.

Objective of the study

The primary objective of the study is an analysis of Okasibi indegenous method of conflict management. The specific objectives is as follows:

i.To find out the causes of conflict in Okasibi land?

ii.To examine  the different indigenous approaches of conflict management in Okasibi?

iii. To investigate the effectiveness of  the Okasibi indigenous approaches of conflict management?

iv. To assess the challenges affecting the effectiveness of Okasibi indigenous method of conflict management?

Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

i.What are the causes of conflict in Okasibi land?

ii.What are the different indigenous approaches of conflict management in Okasibi?

iii. How effective is the Okasibi indigenous approaches of conflict management?

iv. What are the challenges affecting the effectiveness of Okasibi indigenous method of conflict management?

Research hypotheses

The following hypothesis have been formulated for the study:

H0: The Okasibi indegenous method of conflict management is not effective.

HA: The Okasibi indegenous method of conflict management is effective.

Significance of the study

This study was justified by the need for Nigeria to make changes or reforms in her justice or legal system to allow greater flexibility in conflict resolution arena by encouraging alternative conflict resolution methods to reduce/ mitigate conflicts and removing barriers to justice to all and increase peaceful co-existence.

It is hoped that findings of this study may help conflict resolution system e.g. courts to evaluate inclusion of traditional institutions in conflict resolutions. This therefore may form a basis for the modification and harmonization of the present modern court system and traditional institution in conflict management.

The findings may also be helpful to the ministry of justice, National cohesion and constitutional affairs to establish traditional and justice in the use of traditional institutions and methods in determining and dispensing justice.

To help the court system to have training manuals for in-service courses for special magistrates, judges and traditional experts on the Activities, methods, relevance and the challenges towards the contribution of the traditional institution in conflict management in modern Nigeria.

Scope of the study

The study analysis the Okasibi indegenous method of conflict management.  The study will also find out the causes of conflict in Okasibi land. In addition, study will also assess the activities of Okasibi traditional institution in conflict management. The study will further establish the different approaches of Okasibi traditional institution in conflict management. More so, the study will determine the relevance of Okasibi traditional institution in modern society. Lastly, the study will identify the challenges in applying Okasibi traditional institution in conflict management.

Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

Definition of terms

Conflict: a serious disagreement or argument, typically a protracted one.

Conflict management:   the process of dealing with (perceived) incompatibilities or disagreements arising from, for example, diverging opinions, objectives, and needs.

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