ABSTRACT
In the aftermath of Nigeria's independence, the 1960 and 1963 Constitutions accorded traditional rulers some statutory recognition and powers, which enabled them to contribute significantly to conflict and security management in the post-colonial era. The role of traditional rulers was, however, expunged in the 1979 Constitution and it subsists till this day under the current 1999 constitution. Under the present Nigerian configuration, the place of the traditional rulers is legislated at the state government level only. Consequently, the state government in Abia State appoints traditional rulers, which, in some instances, has resulted in the emergence of some unpopular traditional rulers with diverse implications for conflict and security management in the community. This study, therefore, interrogates how politicisation of the appointment of traditional rulers undermines conflict and security management in Abia State, with a specific focus on the state capital – Umuahia. The study adopts a mixed-method design to collect both primary and secondary data, involving the conduct of unstructured interviews and administration of questionnaires. The analysis concludes with strategic recommendations on ways to enhance the roles and contributions of traditional rulers to conflict and security management in their domain.
