The Culture Of Violence And The Scramble For Political Power In Oyo State, Nigeria (1999-2006)

Abstract

This paper examines the place of political culture in the entrenchment of political stability, constitutionalism and democratic consolidation, using the case study of Oyo state, Nigeria. It contends that the militarization of politics, excessive politicisation state policies, opportunities for rent-seeking, implosion of a culture of impunity and selfishness of the elite have contributed to acrimonious politics in Nigeria. The case study of Oyo state was used in this research work because it is reflective of the role played by political violence, especially with the use of primordial political culture as a tool in shaping political contestations between 1999 and 2006. The aftermath of these acrimonious contestations, it was revealed, was the neglect of the basic business of government by the leadership and the criminalization of politics.