FRAMEWORK FOR RESOLVING INDIGENE-SETTLER CONFLICT IN NIGERIA

THE CASE OF ORUKU-UMUODE CONFLICT IN ENUGU STATE

Abstract

The pervasive nature of Indigene-Settler conflicts in many Nigerian cities and communities has been a source of worry to many Nigerians. The negative implication of this on our socio-economic and political development cannot be over-emphasized. Therefore, we set out to investigate the indigene-settler induced conflict in Enugu State namely the Oruku-Umuode conflict. Documentary and survey methods of data gathering technique were the key instruments used. The social identity theory was used as tool for analysis. The paper found that the deprivation of certain basic entitlements accruable to the people of Umuode community by their Oruku neighbours on the account of their relegation as settlers is the key factor that engendered the conflict. The major findings of this research are that in the Oruku-Umuode case, the Amadi-Obia binary is the long-standing mobilizing identity that makes the disagreements between them more delicately complex. Again it was found out that what accounts for the complex nature of the conflict and the solidarity it generated in the two communities developed along the traditional caste system of freeborn and slaves. We recommend the employment of the traditional conflict resolution mechanism as panacea to such complex conflicts between indigene-settler communities.