Publication Details
Abstract
The study investigated the impact of chieftaincy tussle on Socio – Economic Development on selected Ter Ukum, Tyoor Ukum, Ter Buruku, Tyoor Buruku and Oga Edikwu communities of Benue State. The thrust of this paper is to examine the impact of chieftaincy tussle on social economic development of the study area. The study was guided by two research questions and two corresponding objectives. The study adopted the descriptive survey design. The sample of, 1000 respondents from the total population of 4500 was carefully selected, using simple random sampling technique. The sample size was carved out of five communities in Ter Ukum, Tyoor Ukum, Ter Buruku, Tyoor Buruku and Oga Edikwu. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire item. Out of the distributed 1,000 questionnaires, only 800 were retrieved and find useful and valid as 200 of the questionnaire items were discarded. The data collected was analyzed using frequency count and simple percentage. From the findings, the study revealed serious negative impact of chieftaincy tussle on the socio economic development of Ter Ukum, Tyoor Ukum, Ter Buruku, Tyoor Buruku and Oga Edikwu communities which is majorly caused by crisis variables such as, struggle for power, struggle for scares resources, weak traditional institutions and government interference. The study recommended amongst others that, the impact of chieftaincy tussle on socio economic development on Ter Ukum, Tyoor Ukum, Ter Buruku, Tyoor Buruku and Oga Edikwu communities is one that has impeded on project executions and disruption of social unity therefore, the study recommend that, local government leaders should establish processes to determine who becomes a chief in communities and kingdoms within their territory in line with the customs, traditions of the people and the extant laws of governments.