THE TRADITIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND MANAGEMENT OF COMMUNAL CRISIS IN AKOKO NORTH-EAST, ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

The study examined the efficacy of using the traditional institutions in managing communal crisis in Akoko North-East, Ondo State, Nigeria. Descriptive research design was adopted, both questionnaire and interview were used to obtain firsthand information. Communitarian theory was employed as a theoretical framework. It was discovered that land, chieftaincy disputes, religion and politicisation are factors causing communal crisis in Akoko North East, Ondo state. The negative effects of the conflict include economic disruption, human displacement and social divisions. Also, it was found that traditional institutions have authority over the affairs of the study area. It also discovered that the existence of two first-class kings, political manipulations, erosion of authority and lack of application of the ancient sacred rite in rural life have been the clog in effective managing of communal crisis in Akoko North-East, Ondo State. It recommended that existence of two first-class kings in same locality should be resolved, political interference should be curbed and traditional institutions should fall back to their ancient sacred rites to ensure their efficacy in managing communal conflicts.