Nature and Dynamics of Peace and Conflict in Yoruba land: A Qualitative Scoping Review

Abstract

Conflict is one of the dynamic social relationships upon which the survival of a society is predicated, hence conflict resolution mechanisms are developed to ensure peace and stability in society. Given the nature of conflict and conflict resolution strategies, this review adopts the historical method by exploring publications on peace and conflict causation in Yoruba land with primary purpose of establishing the use and abuse of names as tools for resource control in peace and conflict understanding. Forty-two publications met the inclusion criteria and the review adopted metasynthesis/ qualitative approach. It was noted that conflict and conflict resolution mechanisms existed in the pre-Oduduwa era that revolved around self-interests, political ambition and rebellion. The 19th century Yoruba land witnessed emergence of socio-political, migrant-settler differences, fears of domination types of conflicts. Disputes over economic resources, boundaries and political gains emerged during the colonial period as new forms of conflict with the introduction of modern litigation and legal fireworks. While sources of conflict continued to increase in post colonial Nigeria, mechanism for resolution also became more dynamic to accommodate all possibilities in conflict resolution. Publications examined in this review were mainly qualitative and theoretical; focused on specific locations hence, findings may not be generalized.