Abstract

This study examines conflict resolution mechanisms and peace building processes in Edo State, Nigeria, analyzing the evolution of traditional and modern approaches to managing communal, ethnic, and resource-based conflicts from 1999 to the present. Through a combination of ethnographic fieldwork, stakeholder interviews, and quantitative analysis of conflict incidents and resolution outcomes, this research investigates the effectiveness of indigenous conflict resolution systems, state-sponsored peace initiatives, and community-based mediation processes. The study employed a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, incorporating qualitative data from 48 in-depth interviews with traditional rulers, community leaders, government officials, and civil society organizations, alongside quantitative survey data from 320 respondents across the three senatorial districts of Edo State. Findings reveal the complex interplay between traditional Edo conflict resolution practices rooted in indigenous judicial systems and contemporary formal mechanisms, with 79% of respondents acknowledging the continued relevance of traditional methods while 61% identifying gaps in their application to modern conflict scenarios. The research contributes to understanding how Nigerian communities navigate conflict transformation while preserving cultural authenticity and adapting to changing social dynamics. Results indicate that Edo State's peace-building experience reflects broader patterns of conflict management in multi-ethnic Nigerian states, offering insights into community resilience, cultural preservation, and sustainable peace processes.

Keywords: Conflict resolution, peace studies, traditional mediation, Edo State, indigenous justice systems, community peace-building