LAGOS, Nigeria — A researcher has called on the Nigerian government to give legal recognition to indigenous conflict resolution institutions, saying communities already rely on them for local security and dispute settlement.

Daniel Oluwasegun Adeola, a PhD candidate in Political Science at Ajayi Crowther University, made the argument in a recent article published on the Africa at LSE blog.

He noted that in many communities across Nasarawa State and other parts of the Middle Belt, people turn first to village heads, district heads and traditional rulers when conflicts such as farmer-herder clashes, land disputes or household disagreements arise. Only serious cases usually reach the formal police or courts.

According to Adeola, these indigenous systems are fast, affordable and trusted. They focus more on reconciliation and restoring relationships than on punishment. Youth vigilante groups often support the system by gathering information and handing suspects over to the police when needed.

However, he pointed out a major weakness: the decisions of traditional rulers and village heads are largely advisory and not legally binding. When parties refuse to comply, there is little the indigenous system can do to enforce the outcome.

Adeola also highlighted problems of elite capture and the limited participation of women in security decision-making within these institutions.

He recommended limited and accountable statutory recognition. This would clearly define the jurisdiction of indigenous bodies, protect constitutional rights, require referral of serious crimes such as murder, rape and kidnapping to formal authorities, provide appeal mechanisms, and ensure better gender representation.

Adeola stressed that the goal is not to give traditional rulers unchecked power, but to formally recognise the mediation, early warning and community stabilisation roles they already perform while making the system more just and accountable.