Traditional Institution and Inter-ethnic Relations: A Study of Lafia Emirate Council Nasarawa State, Nigeria 1999-2019

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume VI, Issue III, March 2022 | ISSN 2454–6186

Traditional Institution and Inter-ethnic Relations: A Study of Lafia Emirate Council Nasarawa State, Nigeria 1999-2019

^{Dalhatu, Musa Yusha’u}1^{, Shuaibu Zakari}2^{, Shuaibu Sidi Safiyanu}3
1^{Department of Political Science Federal University Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.}
2^{Department of Political Science Federal University Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.}
3^{Corresponding Author, Department of Social Sciences IMAP Polytechnic Lafia, Nigeria.}

Abstract: This paper seeks to empirically assess the impact of Lafia Emirate Council on inter-ethnic relations from 1999 to 2019 using descriptive and correlation matrix. Inter-ethnic relations in an environment with high degree of diversity often become tense since the advent of the Nigerian fourth republic. Lafia Emirate is a miniature Nigeria, consisting of diverse ethnic and religious groups. However, the crises and contestations that have characterized the polity of the country especially its upsurge since the return to democracy in May 29, 1999 was relatively tamed in the Emirate due to the impact of the Emirate Council in moderating inter-ethnic relations in the area. The paper attempted an empirical x-ray into the impact of the Lafia Emirate Council on inter-ethnic relations in the Emirate. After reviewing relevant literature and firsthand information gathered through questionnaires, primary and secondary data were analyzed guided by the social capital theory. The findings have revealed positive impact of the Lafia Emirate Council on inter-ethnic relations on virtually almost all the key variables tested. It’s suggested the need for constitutional roles for Emirate Councils to achieve more rewarding successes. The mediation and reconciliation role of traditional rulers should be strengthened and institutionalized to serve as an alternative conflict resolution mechanism in view of its efficacy and mending of relationship and fences.

Keywords: Traditional, Institution, Emirate Council, Inter-ethnic Relations and Lafia.

JEF Classification: B15, B25, D02.

I. INTRODUCTION

Traditional institutions span their realm of control over their subjects and perform numerous functions that impact on the overall community development [1]. The Area known as Lafia Emirate is endowed with rich cultural diversity as a result of its multi-ethnic and religious composition. The Emirate was formed by the Kanuri migrants and subsumed under the well-known Sokoto Caliphate. Like other traditional institutions, the Emirate helps in maintenance of law and order [2] and at various times integrated into execution of policies and programmes of government. According to Jibo [3] traditional leadership in Sokoto Caliphate encourages “ease and kindness; humility/modesty; abstinence, moderation and asceticism; integrity and honesty; and service to community”.

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