The Role of Traditional Leaders in Mitigating Violence and Enhancing Peace and Harmony in Nigeria

Abstract

Violence is a global phenomenon which exists the world over. The form and manner it exists vary from one country to the other. Nigeria has been facing serious challenges of violent acts since her independence till date. These violent acts range from ethno-religious crises, communal conflicts, Boko Haram crisis, Niger-Delta Militancy, farmer/herder clashes among others which threaten peace and harmony in the country. This study examines the role traditional leaders play in mitigating the excesses of violence and enhancing the peace and harmony in Nigeria. The study predominantly relied on secondary data that include journal articles, books, newspapers, etc. In the case of analysis of data, content analysis was employed. The findings reveal that traditional leaders play an important role in reducing the violent acts and enhancing peace and harmony by a way of intervening in resolving conflicts such as farmer/herder clashes, Niger-Delta crisis and so on. Finally, the study suggests that government should empower more the traditional leaders by involving them in the resolution of conflicts and peace talks.