CONFLICT RESOLUTION STRATEGIES AND DEVELOPMENT IN OLOIBIRI COMMUNITY IN OGBIA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BAYELSA STATE, 2016-2021

Abstract

The Oloibiri Community has experienced various conflicts that have impeded its development over the years. These conflicts arise from factors such as resource allocation, land disputes, political rivalries, and social unrest. Therefore, this study examined the impact of conflict resolution strategies on the development of Oloibiri Community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, 2016-2021. The study was guided by three research questions and three corresponding research objectives. The study was anchored on the social identity theory, and the use of historical research design. The research relied on both primary and secondary sources of data generation. The primary data were obtained from oral interview while the secondary data were obtained from documentary materials. The data collected were thoroughly subjected to qualitative and content analysis. The study findings revealed that conflict resolution strategies played a significant role in fostering development in the Oloibiri Community. It also revealed some major causes of conflict in Oloibiri including land struggle, leadership tussle, cult activities, electoral violence, and boundary disputes. The study also found that Oloibiri has various means of resolving conflicts such as; oracle method, family heads method, council of Chiefs methods, negotiation method, mediation method, arbitration method, and reconciliation methods. The study concluded that, community development can be achieved through proactive and inclusive conflict resolution approaches that prioritize community engagement, capacity building, and institutional strengthening must be adopted. The study recommended among others that, the State House of Assembly should enact a law establishing the application of traditional conflicts and/or dispute resolution strategies in the settlement of community conflicts other than, the use of conventional courts