Abstract

Purpose: This study critically examines traditional conflict resolution mechanisms (TCRMs) and interrogates their contemporary relevance in modern governance and social order. While formal judicial systems dominate state-centered conflict management, TCRMs persist in numerous African and global contexts, raising questions about efficiency, legitimacy, and cultural continuity.

Methodology: A purely doctrinal qualitative methodology was employed, analyzing scholarly literature, case studies, and indigenous governance frameworks. The study juxtaposes historical and contemporary practices, evaluating the philosophical, cultural, and procedural dimensions of TCRMs.

Findings: Findings reveal that TCRMs, characterized by community mediation, restorative justice principles, and participatory deliberations, offer adaptable and context-sensitive conflict solutions. However, the intrusion of statutory laws, urbanization, and shifting societal values challenges their efficacy. While TCRMs excel in fostering social cohesion and relational accountability, their integration with modern legal systems remains partial and often tokenistic.

Originality: This paper contributes a nuanced understanding of how TCRMs operate not merely as cultural relics but as dynamic instruments for conflict management. By critically interrogating their strengths, limitations, and intersection with contemporary governance, the study foregrounds hybrid conflict resolution approaches that reconcile tradition with modernity. The research provides theoretical and practical insights for policymakers, scholars, and practitioners seeking culturally attuned and socially legitimate conflict management strategies