Reconciliation as an Essential Ingredient in Peace Building: A Case Study of Crude Oil-Related Conflicts

Abstract

Reconciliation is a vital component of conflict resolution. This is true because, dispute settlement without genuine reconciliation will only result in compromise without necessarily uniting the aggrieved and the aggressor. This study has explored the extent of oil related conflict and effectiveness of reconciliation initiatives in Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government areas in Ondo State. Both online and physical approach was used to gather data from a total sample of 150 participants drawn across the study areas and descriptive research approach was adopted. Five research questions were raised and answered. Descriptive analysis reveals the following: factors contributing to oil related conflict in region include unequal distribution of royalties, government and company policies as well as competition for oil related resources. Oil related conflict is an occasional incident in Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas of Ondo State. There have been reconciliation efforts (64% agreement) in Ilaje and Ese Odo aiming to address oil related conflict. The effectiveness of the reconciliation attempts was judged moderate pointing to the fact that they are still unresolved grievances among the affected parties. The major setbacks found to effective reconciliation initiatives include greed, cultural differences, distrust, political interferences and sentiment. The study recommends, among others, that oil companies, government agencies fulfil should fully implement all the promises/agreements reached with the oil producing region and that the royalties should not only end in the pockets of selected few.