SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES IN INTER-COMMUNAL SOCIETIES

Inter-communal societies have their gains as well as their challenges. There is no human relationship that is free from disagreements or misunderstanding. Communal societies are no exempted from this rule. Due to the simple way of life of villagers, conflict resolution in such community is also simple. However, where serious issues are involved it may require the intervention of the court.The common areas of conflict in communal societies borders on properties such as land, inheritance, disobedience to existing laws and appointment of people into positions of authority. What is important however is how to manage such crises or challenges when they arise. Disputes and conflicts are resolved in the following ways:

DIALOUGE

This is a method of dispute resolution whereby the warring parties are called to state theirgrievances and the leaders will settle the issue using their local experiences and knowledge.

MEDIATION

In this type of conflict resolution, a neutral and impartial outsider works with those involved in the conflict to assure them of a satisfactory outcome. Those who are usually involved in this are community heads and traditional rulers.

COMPENSATION

This is the replacement of what has been destroyed or badly damaged in the course of conflict in order to ensure peace in the society.

ARBITRATION

This is a conflict resolution method where special bodies are set up to investigate and settle conflicts between warring parties.

COURT SYSTEM

This has to do with the settlement of dispute in the court through the services of professional lawyers.

SPECIAL PEACE-KEEPING TASKFORCE

This is the use of armed forces such as JTF to restore sanity between warring communities to avoid destruction of lives and properties. This kind of conflict resolution method is usually followed up by roundtable discussions.

EVALUATION

State the methods of dispute resolution in communal society.
Explain each of the methods you have mentioned above.

IMPORTANCE OF INTER-COMMUNAL RELATIONSHIP

Peaceful settlement of disputes.
Close relationship among members of the communities.
It creates conducive environment for social, political and economic activities.
It ensures peace and progress in the society.
Non-existence of rebellion by militants due to peaceful and simple way of life.
It promotes respect for leaders and elders in the communities.
Promotion of unity and cohesion in the community.
It enhances law and order in the society.

GENERAL EVALUATION

What are the ways through which conflict is settled in a communal society?
State the importance of communal societies.
Who is a citizen?
Mention four duties of a citizen.
How can the rights of citizens be restricted?

READING ASSIGNMENT

Settlement of Disputes in Communal Society: Fundamentals of Civic Education for Senior Secondary Book 2, Sola Akinyemi, Pages 116-118.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

SECTION A

Instruction: From the options lettered A-D, choose the letter that is most appropriate for the following questions. Answer all the questions.

One major cause of conflict in communal societies is A. boundary dispute B. social amenities C. racial discrimination D. location of industry.
The following are examples of communal society except A. hamlet B. village C. camp D. city
The primary method of dispute settlement in a communal society is A. court systemB. dialogueC. taskforce D. arbitration.
Which of the following is an importance of inter-communal relationship?A. Misunderstanding

Disagreement C. unity D. pride.

5. JTF stands for? A. Junior Trainee Force B. Justice Transfer ForumC. Joint Task ForceD. Jungle Travelers Funds.

SECTION B

Describe one way of settling dispute in advanced society.
State four factors that can reduce disputes in communal societies.