Local Government Reforms and the Changing Roles of Traditional Institutions in Nigeria

Abstract

Of all the contesting issues in Nigeria today, the relevance of the traditional institutions in the modern administration is observed. Traditional institutions have been in existence as the demi-gods before the advent of capitalism, but gradually phased out with the coming of the white man and the subsequent local government reforms. It is in the light of the above that more light will be thrown to examine whether local government reforms have diminishing effect on the functions and relevance of the traditional institutions. The paper examines the role of traditional institutions with Nigeria democracy. The article contends that traditional institutions in today’s democracy are face majorly with the problem of constitutional recognition and not of relevance. Overtime, traditional institutions played a crucial role in the pre-colonial and colonial phases of Nigeria history. The study interrogates the contending perspectives of the Traditionalist and modernist school of thought as regards the position of traditional institutions in modern democracy. The study also examines the various means through which traditional institutions remain relevant in Nigeria democratic space by having considerable influence and play active role in the political administration and electoral process at of tiers of government. In conclusion, the study identified the various process through which traditional institution can contribute to the sustainability of democracy in Nigeria such as conflict resolution process, spread of development and democratic dividends and viable instrument for democratic peace.