Informal Power Dynamics and Grassroots Policing: Assessing the Role of Traditional Authorities in the Security Architecture of Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria
Abstract
Clearly, Nigeria is currently facing rising security challenges that include community conflicts, kidnapping, farmer-herder clashes, terrorism, banditry, ritual killings, and so on. One of the established institutions tasked with curbing such vices, managing conflicts among or between members of a community, and preserving the customs and traditions of the people through established laws and customs is the traditional rulership. This study assessed the role of traditional rulers in tackling security challenges, with a focus on Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to examine the role of traditional rulers in security management, evaluate their effectiveness in addressing security challenges, and identify the challenges they face in maintaining security. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and a purposive sampling technique was used to select 400 respondents. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that traditional rulers play significant roles in intelligence gathering, conflict resolution, community policing, and mediation in security matters. However, their efforts are constrained by a lack of constitutional recognition, inadequate resources, political interference, and poor collaboration with formal security agencies. The study concludes that traditional rulers remain vital actors in grassroots security governance. It recommends that the government should formally integrate them into the national security framework, provide adequate resources for community-based security initiatives, and enhance collaboration with security agencies to improve effectiveness.
Keywords
Traditional rulerssecurity challengessecurity managementconflict resolutioncommunity policing.
References
Adebiyi, J., & Hassan, M. (2019). Community perception of traditional institutions and security delivery in south-west Nigeria. African Journal of Development Studies, 11(2), 33–48. Adegoke, N. (2016). Security challenges: a threat to Nigeria’s nascent democracy. Review of Public Administration and Management, 5(9), 74 – 85 Adeoye, A. O., & Lawal, B. R. (2020). Traditional institutions and security governance in contemporary Nigeria: Challenges and prospects. Nigerian Journal of Political Science, 15(2), 88–101. Ajayi, A. T., & Buhari, L. O. (2014). Methods of conflict resolution in African traditional society. African Research Review, 8 (2), 138–57. Akinwale, A. A. (2010). Integrating the traditional and the modern conflict management strategies in Nigeria. African Journal on Conflict Resolution 10 (3), 123 – 146 Akinwale, A., & Musa, B. (2021). Traditional authority and social capital in security governance. African Security Review, 30(3), 123–138. Akinyemi, S., & Eze, P. (2022). Grassroots security and the role of traditional authorities in south-west Nigeria. Journal of Public Administration and Security, 6(3), 44–58. Alabi, A. S., & Ayuba, J. T. (2020). Insecurity in Nigeria: Issues and solutions. Journal of Social and Policy Studies, 12(2), 77–89. Assefa F. (2022), Federalism and security: The Special Police in Ethiopia, Journal of Autonomy and Security Studies, 6(2), 96–130. Ayuba, I., & Ismaila, A. (2021). Traditional rulers and governance in Nigeria: Bridging the gap between the state and the people. Journal of African Governance and Society, 4(2), 75– 89. Baba, A., Kama, S. Y., & Njidda, B. A. (2025). Impact of traditional rulers on public security enhancement in Northern Senatorial District of Adamawa State, Nigeria. ADSU International Journal of Applied Economics, Finance and Management, 10(1), 53 – 70. Bassey, U., & Olanrewaju, F. (2020). Constraints facing traditional rulers in conflict resolution in Nigeria. Journal of African Governance and Society, 9(1), 70–83. Banda, O. L., Banda, C. V., Banda, J. T., and Singini, T. (2024). Preserving cultural heritage: A community-centric approach to safeguarding the Khulubvi Traditional Temple Malawi. Heliyon, 18(10), 1 – 22. Bodunde, D. O., Ola, A. A., & Afolabi, M. B. (2014). Internal insecurity in Nigeria: The irony of multiplicity of security outfits and security challenges. International Journal of Research in Humanities, Arts and Literature, 2(5), 213 – 220. Bourdieu, P. (1984). Distinction: A social critique of the judgement of taste. Routledge and Kagan Paul Ltd. Boege, V., Brown, A., Clements, K., & Nolan, A. (2009). Hybrid political orders, not fragile states. Peace Review, 21(1), 13–21. Buzan, B. (1991). People, states, and fear: An agenda for international security studies in the post-cold war era. Harvester Wheatsheaf. Chukwu, B. J., & Ogunlade, M. (2022). Traditional Rulers and the Fight Against Insecurity in Nigeria: Experiences from the South-West. Nigerian Journal of Security Studies, 13(4), 129–143. Chukwuma, E., & Yahaya, M. (2022). Hybrid security governance in Nigeria: The role of traditional institutions. Conflict and Governance Journal, 11(1), 77–93. jpaswr Ehrhardt, D., Alao, D. O., & Umar, S. (2024). Traditional authority and security in contemporary Nigeria. Taylor & Francis. Eze, R. C. (2020). The status of traditional rulers in contemporary Nigerian politics: Challenges and prospects. Nigerian Journal of Public Policy and Administration, 12(1), 34–49. Hassan, L. A., & Okoli, C. E. (2024). Informal security systems in Nigeria: Challenges and policy options. African Peace and Conflict Review, 7(1), 98–114. Ibrahim, L., & Sulaimon, A. (2022). The role of stakeholder collaboration in security management in Nigeria. Journal of Governance and Security, 6(2), 78–93. Igbokwe-Ibeto, C. J., & Oguegbe, T. O. (2023). Rethinking the role of traditional institutions in Nigeria’s governance framework. International Journal of African Studies, 8(1), 101– 115. Mohammed, A., & Dike, I. (2020). Traditional rulers and collaborative security governance in northern Nigeria. African Security Review, 29(4), 91–108. Musa, A. S., & Okeke, C. M. (2021). Conflict resolution and the role of traditional rulers in peacebuilding in Nigeria. African Journal of Conflict and Development Studies, 7(1), 56– 70. Nwachukwu, R., Suleiman, H., & Emeka, A. (2023). Hybrid security systems and the institutional relevance of traditional rulers in Nigeria. Journal of Contemporary African Studies, 15(2), 62–79. Nwankwo, O. U., & Hassan, K. B. (2021). Herder-Farmer conflict and traditional conflict resolution in Nigeria. Conflict Studies Review, 8(3), 64–80. Ogundele, M. A., & Bature, M. J. (2022). Kidnapping and banditry in Nigeria: Implications for national security. African Journal of Criminology and Justice Studies, 15(1), 101–115. Olawepo, A. A., & Faturoti, T. O. (2023). The role of traditional institutions in conflict resolution and security in Northern Nigeria. African Journal of Social and Political Studies, 18(1), 45-62. Onifade, C., Imhonopi, D., & Urim, U. M. (2013). Addressing the insecurity challenge in Nigeria: The imperative of moral values and virtue ethics. Global Journal of Human Social Science, 13(2), 54 – 66. Orji, K. E., & Olali, S. T. (2010). Traditional Institutions and their Dwindling Roles in Contemporary Nigeria': The Rivers State Example, In Babawale, T., Alao, A. & Adesoji, B. The chieftaincy institutions in Nigeria. Concept Publications Limited. Ojo, A. M., & Lawal, I. A. (2023). Technology, rural security, and local leadership in Nigeria. International Journal of Peace and Security Studies, 11(1), 44–59. Okechukwu, T., & Bello, L. (2024). The evolving role of traditional institutions in Nigeria’s urban security sector. Nigerian Journal of Urban Policy, 7(1), 50–65. Okonkwo, A., & Ibrahim, M. (2021). Indigenous security architecture in Nigeria: The role of traditional rulers. Journal of Security Studies, 12(3), 117–132. Okonkwo, U., & Adebayo, M. (2020). Security management in Nigeria: Challenges and opportunities. Journal of Policy and Security Analysis, 15(2), 92–106. Olaniyan, K., & Bello, T. (2021). Beyond centralized policing: The need for community-based security in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Public Policy and Development, 9(3), 115–128. Onuoha, F. C., & Uzodike, U. O. (2020). Security sector governance and the challenges of insecurity in Nigeria. African Review of Political Economy, 47(166), 293–308. Putnam, R. D. (1993). Making democracy work: Civic tradition and modern Italy. Princeton jpaswr University Press. Uzonwanne, F. C., & Adeyemo, B. T. (2020). Social capital and community policing in Nigeria: The missing link. Nigerian Journal of Sociology, 18(2), 88–105. Umezulike, N., & Ugochukwu, M. K. (2021). Assessment of roles of traditional rulers in community conflict management in Imo state. Journal of Continuing and Development Education, 1(1), 151–160. Wali, W. I. & Ajuru, I. (2018). Nigerian police force and administration of the school in the period of security challenges in Nigeria. International Journal of Scientific Research in Education, 1(1), 117 – 126.
More Articles from JOURNAL OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND SOCIAL WELFARE RESEARCH
A Typology of Digital Complaint-Resolution Systems for Public Accountability
Author: Uchechi Mary-Linda Unamma, Ifeanyichukwu Jeffrey Okwesa, Uzoamaka, Iwuanyanwu,
Electronic Tax Monitoring, Fiscal Transparency and Digital Capacity Constraints in Nigeria: A Content Analysis
Author: Ngozi Chijioke, Uchenna Gladys Onwujekwe, Eteng Inah William
The Role of Formal Social Networks in Mitigating Mental Stress Among Older Adults in Poor Urban Communities in Rivers State Faculty of Social Sciences, Sociology Department Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworokwo Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Author: Akani Bobby Okechukwu
Information Literacy Skills and Organizational Learning Among Administrative Officers of Agricultural Research Institutes in Southwest Nigeria
Author: Titilayo Juliet Sodiyan1 Oluwatosin A. Ologboosere2
Beyond Mediation: Climate Stress, Structural Violence, And the Persistence of Farmer–Herder Conflict in Benue State, Nigeria, 2015–2025
Author: Elijah B.U. Chigweyaru, PhD