Women and the management of chieftaincy conflicts in south western Nigeria

Abstract

This paper focused on the role of women in the management and resolution of chieftaincy conflict in Nigeria. Women are globally marginalized at all levels of traditional decision-making in Africa. Chieftaincy institution is generally known for masculining the public spaces. Women are formally excluded from peace processes despite the roles they play during and after chieftaincy conflict. Therefore, this study identified the causes of chieftaincy conflict in Nigeria by examining the role of women in managing chieftaincy conflict and proffers possible measures for resolving chieftaincy conflicts in Nigeria using Ikota and Ijare in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria as case studies. Ondo State was among the earliest created following the major reconstruction of the country from regions to states in the regime of Gowon as Head of State. The research population in this study is underlined by sampling the high chiefs’ opinion in the two selected towns by using purposive sampling method. The study found out that women are active peace agents as they are being used for reconciliatory roles in the chieftaincy peace process. However, the potential of women’s peace agency is clogged by their exclusion from chieftaincy peace processes within their communities. In conclusion the study has suggested that public awareness should be intensified for women among Council-of-Chiefs, in order to sensitize the public to the importance of gender equality and participation in chieftaincy conflict resolution and peace building within their communities.