Chieftaincy Structures, Communal Identity, and Decolonization in Yorùbáland

Nature and Dynamics of Peace and Conflict in Yoruba land: A Qualitative Scoping Review

“…These checks and balances come in form of layers of socio-political groups such as the council of chiefs, lineage heads/representatives, religious orders such as Ogboni or Osugbo, age-grade organisations etc (Vaughan, 2006). In mediating on conflicts and maintenance of peace, family/lineage/compound heads often called Olori-ebi or Mogaji in Ibadan play vital roles in ensuring peace within the compound/lineage.…”

“…The Military hegemonic era which characterized the 19 th century occasioned by the fall of centralized imperial authority-Oyo empire, Fulani invasions and the Slave trade changed the socio-political structure of peace and conflict process in Yorubaland during the era (Falola, 2006;Vaughan, 2006). As Falola (1990) noted the unending wars that characterized this era led to the general assumption among the early colonialists that the Yoruba people were 'warlike'.…”

“…As Falola (1990) noted the unending wars that characterized this era led to the general assumption among the early colonialists that the Yoruba people were 'warlike'. Hence, this resulted into decline in the authority of the monarchs and emergence of leaders whose power was based on military prowess and ability win wars such as Oluyole, Kurunmi, Ogunmola (Olusanya, 2015;Vaughan, 2006). noted that war chiefs emerged due to downfall of civil authority and chaotic situation that occasioned the period.…”

“…The spread of conflicts through military usurpation of power continued as military leaders such as the Aare Ona Kankanfo Kurunmi was able to disregard orders from his overlord, the then Alafin Atiba, while another warlord Oluyole of Ibadan usurped the civil position of the traditional prime minister-Bashorun-limiting the authority of the kings (Vaughan, 2006;Falola, 2006). Ojo (2013), Falola (1990; noted that these warlords were dictatorial in their leadership patterns instigating a new social setting where warfare became the new tool of conflict resolution instead of peaceful resolution of issues in the society.…”

“…For example, Kurunmi was known for being autocratic who ruthlessly destroyed any form of dissent or contrary opinions to his. However, in other cities such as Ibadan and Abeokuta new form of nonhereditary offices emerged limiting the authority of these leaders, therefore reducing conflict between the people and these warlike leaders (Vaughan, 2006). Nevertheless, the military chiefs were in the ascendancy in both old and new cities (Falola, 2006).…”