Traditional Institutions and Socio-economic Development in Nigeria: A Critical Analysis

Abstract

Traditional institutions held pre-eminence positions in the pre-colonial societies in Nigeria. The level of order witnessed during this period was a testimony to the invaluable roles played by the traditional rulers in administering their different empires, kingdoms and communities. However, during the colonial era, the position of traditional rulers was compromised as they became mere stooges of the colonial power. The post-colonial period saw the traditional rulers’ roles diminished as they were given advisory roles in previous constitutions and with no single role in the 1999 Constitution. Thus, for the continuous relevance of the traditional institutions, there is a need for re-examination of their roles in the country. This chapter argues for community based developmental roles for the traditional rulers in the country. These include promotion of tourism development, encouraging modern agricultural development, maintenance of peaceful co-existence among the people of their domain and settlers from other parts of the country, providing platform for alternative dispute resolution, monitoring the activities of the various vigilante groups and other unconventional security apparatus in their communities and lastly partnering the security operatives through intelligence gathering within their domains for effective operations of security outfits in serving the people better.

Traditional Administrative System and Community Development in Nigeria: Roles and Relevance of Traditional Institution in Local Community Development

“…As a result, the government relies on traditional leaders to maintain social harmony by ensuring all interpersonal conflicts in each community are resolved or eliminated and do not develop into ethnic conflicts. Particularly in the Northern region, the widely varied structure of Nigerian communities has further rallied support for traditional rulers as crucial partners in the security of lives and property (Omitola et al, 2021).…”

Impact of Traditional Rulers on Peace Sustenance in Local Communities of Ekiti State

“…This is done through policies and programmes like conflict resolution, prevention, stabilisation, and consolidation of peace. Similarly, peacekeeping involves actions and procedures that deal with the causes of conflict, not just its effects; support the upkeep and rehabilitation of all parts of the war-torn society; encourage and support interaction between all parts of the society; mend broken relationships and start the process of reestablishing dignity and trust; recognise the unique aspects of each post-conflict situation; and encourage and support participation (Omitola, Akinrinde & Omitola, 2021). According to many academic ideas about peacekeeping, peacekeeping is often seen as an outside intervention.…”