Project – Native Authority and Communal Peace Building in Lagos state 2019-2024

ABSTRACT

The study examines the native Authority and Communal Peace Building in Lagos state 2019-2024. The study was limited to Ikorodu and Agege community members, Lagos. Four research objectives were used namely: to examine the role of traditional leaders in promoting peace and conflict resolution within communities in Lagos state; to assess the effectiveness of existing communal peace-building initiatives in addressing conflicts; to investigate the impact of historical and cultural factors on the authority and legitimacy of native leaders; and to identify the challenges and barriers faced by native authorities in promoting communal peace and cooperation in Lagos state. To select the needed samples for this study, the researcher used a total number of one hundred (100) Ikorodu and Agege Community People, Lagos. The research hypotheses stated earlier was tested using Chi-Square Statistics. The study recommended that implementing a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the impact of traditional leaders’ peacebuilding efforts is crucial. Regular assessments can help identify areas for improvement and ensure that interventions are effective. The study concluded that Traditional leaders are involved in promoting peace and conflict resolution within communities in Lagos state

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

The role of native authority in communal peace building has been a subject of considerable academic interest, particularly in regions with complex socio-political landscapes like Lagos State, Nigeria. Native authorities, often comprising traditional leaders and local chiefs, have historically played a pivotal role in maintaining social order and resolving conflicts within their communities. According to Akinola (2020), these traditional structures have been instrumental in mediating disputes and fostering a sense of communal identity and cohesion. The period from 2019 to 2024 has seen a renewed focus on leveraging these indigenous systems to address contemporary challenges in peace building.

One of the key aspects of native authority in Lagos State is its ability to operate within the dual legal system that combines customary law with formal state law. This duality allows native authorities to address issues that are deeply rooted in local customs and traditions, which might be overlooked by the formal legal system. As noted by Olowu (2019), the integration of native authority into the broader governance framework has been crucial in addressing land disputes, family conflicts, and other communal issues that are often sources of tension. The effectiveness of these traditional mechanisms in peace building is largely attributed to their deep-rooted legitimacy and the trust they command within the community.

The period from 2019 to 2024 has also seen significant efforts to formalize and strengthen the role of native authorities in peace building initiatives. Government policies and non-governmental organizations have increasingly recognized the value of these traditional structures. For instance, the Lagos State government has implemented programs aimed at training and empowering traditional leaders to better handle conflict resolution and peace building tasks. According to Adeyemi (2021), these initiatives have included workshops on modern conflict resolution techniques, legal literacy, and community engagement strategies, thereby enhancing the capacity of native authorities to address contemporary challenges.

However, the integration of native authority into formal peace building frameworks is not without its challenges. One major issue is the potential for conflicts of interest and power struggles between traditional leaders and formal state authorities. As highlighted by Eze (2020), there have been instances where the overlapping jurisdictions have led to tensions and inefficiencies in conflict resolution processes. Additionally, the varying degrees of influence and legitimacy among different native authorities can complicate efforts to create a cohesive and effective peace building strategy. These challenges underscore the need for a nuanced approach that respects the autonomy of native authorities while ensuring their alignment with broader governance objectives.

The impact of native authority on communal peace building in Lagos State from 2019 to 2024 can also be seen in the context of urbanization and demographic changes. Lagos, being a rapidly growing metropolis, faces unique challenges related to migration, cultural diversity, and urban poverty. Traditional leaders have had to adapt to these changes by finding new ways to engage with a more diverse and transient population. According to Nwosu (2022), some native authorities have successfully incorporated modern communication tools and social media to reach out to younger generations and foster a sense of community amidst the urban sprawl. This adaptability has been crucial in maintaining social cohesion and preventing conflicts in an ever-evolving urban landscape.

The role of native authority in communal peace building in Lagos State from 2019 to 2024 highlights the enduring relevance of traditional governance structures in contemporary society. While there are challenges related to integration with formal state systems and adapting to urbanization, the legitimacy and trust that native authorities command within their communities make them invaluable assets in peace building efforts. Future research and policy initiatives should continue to explore ways to strengthen and support these traditional structures, ensuring that they can effectively contribute to sustainable peace and social cohesion in Lagos State.

• Statement of the Problem

The role of native authority in communal peace building in Lagos State has become increasingly significant in recent years. Despite the presence of formal governmental structures, traditional leaders and local authorities continue to wield considerable influence in their communities. This duality of governance often leads to a complex interplay between modern state mechanisms and indigenous systems of authority. The period from 2019 to 2024 has seen various instances where native authorities have either facilitated or hindered peace-building efforts, raising questions about their effectiveness and the nature of their involvement in contemporary governance.

One of the primary issues is the lack of a clear framework that defines the roles and responsibilities of native authorities in peace-building processes. This ambiguity often results in overlapping jurisdictions and conflicts between traditional leaders and state officials. For instance, in some communities, native authorities have successfully mediated disputes and fostered communal harmony, while in others, their involvement has exacerbated tensions. This inconsistency highlights the need for a more structured approach to integrating native authority into the broader peace-building agenda of Lagos State.

Furthermore, the socio-political dynamics of Lagos State present unique challenges to communal peace building. The state is characterized by a diverse population with varying ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. Native authorities, who are often seen as custodians of tradition and culture, play a crucial role in managing these diversities. However, their effectiveness is frequently undermined by political interference and a lack of resources. This situation is particularly evident in urban areas where rapid development and migration have altered traditional community structures, making it difficult for native authorities to maintain their influence and legitimacy.

Another significant problem is the generational gap between native authorities and the younger population. Many young people in Lagos State view traditional leaders as outdated and irrelevant to their contemporary realities. This disconnect poses a challenge to communal peace building, as the youth are often at the forefront of social change and conflict. Bridging this gap requires innovative approaches that can integrate the wisdom of native authorities with the aspirations of the younger generation, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable peace-building process.

The period from 2019 to 2024 has also seen an increase in the involvement of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international bodies in peace-building initiatives in Lagos State. While these efforts are commendable, they often operate in isolation from native authorities, leading to fragmented and sometimes counterproductive outcomes. There is a pressing need for a more collaborative approach that leverages the strengths of both formal and informal systems of governance. This collaboration could enhance the effectiveness of peace-building efforts and ensure that they are culturally relevant and widely accepted.

The role of native authority in communal peace building in Lagos State from 2019 to 2024 is fraught with challenges and opportunities. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive understanding of the socio-political landscape, a clear definition of roles, and a collaborative approach that includes all stakeholders. By doing so, it is possible to harness the potential of native authorities to contribute meaningfully to the peace and stability of Lagos State.

• Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine the native authority and communal peace building in Lagos State 2019-2024. The specific objectives are:

1. To examine the role of traditional leaders in promoting peace and conflict resolution within communities in Lagos state.
2. To assess the effectiveness of existing communal peace-building initiatives in addressing conflicts.
3. To investigate the impact of historical and cultural factors on the authority and legitimacy of native leaders.
4. To identify the challenges and barriers faced by native authorities in promoting communal peace and cooperation in Lagos state.

• Research Question

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What is the role of traditional leaders in promoting peace and conflict resolution within communities in Lagos state?
2. How effective are existing communal peace-building initiatives in addressing conflicts?
3. What is the impact of historical and cultural factors on the authority and legitimacy of native leaders?
4. What are the challenges faced by native authorities in promoting communal peace and cooperation in Lagos state?

• Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Traditional leaders are involved in promoting peace and conflict resolution within communities in Lagos state.

H1: Traditional leaders are involved in promoting peace and conflict resolution within communities in Lagos state

• Significance of the Study

The study of Native Authority and Communal Peace Building in Lagos State from 2019 to 2024 holds significant importance for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the role that traditional leadership structures play in maintaining social harmony within communities. In a rapidly urbanizing and diverse state like Lagos, where modern governance systems often struggle to address localized conflicts, native authorities can offer culturally relevant and historically grounded approaches to peacebuilding. This study can shed light on how these traditional systems operate and their effectiveness in conflict resolution, thereby offering valuable insights for policymakers and community leaders.

Secondly, the research highlights the intersection between traditional and modern governance systems. Lagos State, being a melting pot of various ethnicities and cultures, presents a unique case where native authorities coexist with formal governmental institutions. Understanding how these two systems interact, complement, or even conflict with each other can provide a nuanced perspective on governance and social cohesion. This can be particularly useful for developing hybrid models of governance that leverage the strengths of both traditional and modern systems to foster communal peace.

Moreover, the study is significant for its potential to inform policy development aimed at enhancing communal peace. By identifying the strengths and weaknesses of native authority structures in peacebuilding, the research can guide the formulation of policies that support and integrate these traditional mechanisms into broader peacebuilding strategies. This can lead to more effective and sustainable peace initiatives that are rooted in the cultural and social realities of the communities they aim to serve.

The period from 2019 to 2024 is particularly relevant as it encompasses a time of significant political, social, and economic changes in Lagos State. This timeframe allows for an examination of how native authorities have adapted to these changes and the impact of such adaptations on their peacebuilding efforts. It also provides an opportunity to assess the long-term effectiveness of initiatives and interventions implemented during this period, offering a temporal dimension to the study’s findings.

Additionally, the study contributes to the broader academic discourse on peacebuilding and governance. By focusing on a specific geographical and cultural context, it adds depth and specificity to existing theories and models. The findings can be compared and contrasted with studies from other regions, enriching the global understanding of the role of traditional authorities in peacebuilding. This can also pave the way for cross-cultural learning and the sharing of best practices.

Finally, the research has practical implications for community members and leaders in Lagos State. By documenting and analyzing the practices and outcomes of native authority-led peacebuilding efforts, the study can serve as a resource for those directly involved in these processes. It can provide them with evidence-based strategies and tools to enhance their work, ultimately contributing to more peaceful and cohesive communities. In summary, the study of Native Authority and Communal Peace Building in Lagos State from 2019 to 2024 is significant for its potential to inform policy, enhance governance, contribute to academic knowledge, and support practical peacebuilding efforts.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study examines Native Authority and Communal Peace Building in Lagos state 2019-2024. The study is limited to Ikorodu and Agege community members, Lagos.

• Operational Definition of Terms

Native Authority: Native Authority refers to traditional forms of governance and leadership that are rooted in the customs, traditions, and social structures of indigenous communities. In many cases, these authorities are recognized by the state and play a role in local governance, conflict resolution, and the administration of justice. They often include chiefs, elders, and other community leaders who have inherited or been appointed to their positions based on longstanding cultural practices.

Communal Peace Building: Communal Peace Building is the process of fostering and maintaining peace within a community through collaborative efforts and inclusive practices. It involves addressing the root causes of conflict, promoting dialogue and understanding among community members, and implementing strategies that encourage cooperation and coexistence. This can include mediation, conflict resolution training, community meetings, and other activities designed to build trust and social cohesion.

Peace: Peace is a state of tranquility or quietness, free from disturbance or conflict. It can refer to the absence of war or violence, as well as a sense of inner calm and harmony. In a broader sense, peace encompasses the presence of positive conditions such as justice, equality, and mutual respect, which contribute to the well-being and stability of individuals and communities.

Community: A community is a group of people who share common characteristics, interests, or values and who interact with one another within a specific geographic area or social context. Communities can be based on various factors, including location, culture, religion, profession, or shared experiences. They provide a sense of belonging and support for their members, and they often work together to achieve common goals and address collective challenges.

Project – Native Authority and Communal Peace Building in Lagos state 2019-2024