Justice System and Conflict Control Mechanism among Esan People of Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Conflict is inevitable in human relationships and society; it breeds bad blood, rancour, and acrimony. However, traditional African  communities evolved strategies to ensure peaceful coexistence using traditional conflict resolution mechanisms that accounted for the  peace and equanimity experienced by our forebears. The Britain subjugation of Nigerians and the introduction of Western-style justice  system truncated the harmonious relationship that hitherto characterized Nigeria communities and led to the erosion of core Africa  values. This paper asserts that the neglect of African culture and the justice system it espoused is responsible for soaring crime rate,  disregard for values and sanctity of life in contemporary Nigeria. The work advocates a legal framework that integrates traditional justice  system with its modern counterpart to deepen conflict resolution and strengthen the justice mechanism in the country.