Conflict and Chieftaincy Institutions in Ogun State, Nigeria: Exploring the Causality Nexus and State Interventionist Policies

Abstract

This paper explores the causality nexus and state interventionist policies on conflicts within chieftaincy institutions using Ogun State as a case study. A qualitative survey was carried out in the State, focusing on a limited number of chieftaincy cases in Omu-Ijebu and Ijebu-Ode towns. Qualitative data were collected and analyzed using the content analysis method. This paper reveals the causal factors of conflicts in chieftaincy institutions that include the succession process to a vacant stool, misuse of stool revenue, economic greed or self-interest, clashes of traditional beliefs, and state interference. The intervention of the State government in the resolution of chieftaincy conflicts has not yielded significant results due to poor levels of education, religious beliefs, and heavy reliance on traditional powers among the concerned individuals and groups in the State. This paper, therefore, concludes that local stakeholders should demonstrate a high sense of morality and refrain from exploiting sentiments for chieftaincy favors. While also recommending that state interventionist policies should emphasize non-formal approaches as desirable for solving chieftaincy conflicts.