From Tension to Tolerance: A Peacebuilding Approach for Yoruba Religious Conflicts in Nigeria

ABSTRACT Religious conflict in Yoruba‐speaking Nigeria has historically been rare, yet since 1999, tensions among Muslims, Christians, and traditionalists have intensified in places like Ilorin, Iwo, and Ogbomoso. This paper investigates these emerging frictions and proposes a Hybrid Yoruba Peacebuilding Model that merges indigenous conflict resolution—such as elder mediation and kinship solidarity—with interfaith dialogue rooted in Islamic, Christian, and traditional values. Drawing on secondary sources and key theories from Lederach, Appleby, Korostelina, Abu‐Nimer, Gopin, and Galtung, the study analyzes post‐1999 conflict cases to show how cultural and religious practices can be harmonized to foster sustainable peace. The model emphasizes grassroots reconciliation, inclusive leadership, and structural reform. This study advances the field of religious peacebuilding by offering a culturally embedded, transdisciplinary framework that moves beyond faith‐specific interventions. It demonstrates how African indigenous practices can meaningfully complement theological models of peace in pluralized societies.