The Changing Character of the Ìbàdàn Traditional Lineage Tribunal Engaging Social Conflict Resolution.

This paper surveyed the changing character of traditional judicial processes, decision-making and judgment delivery in traditional tribunals from the 20th to the 21st centuries through participantobservation and oral interview in Ìbàdàn, Nigeria. It was established in the survey that while some traditional methods disappear, some persist with acceptable moderation as operators of these traditional tribunals adapt to, and in accommodating changes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in conflict resolution. It is suggested that people and the judiciary benefit greatly from the dynamism of these tribunals, and it is apposite that legislation is put in place to enhance the performance and fluidity of traditional practices in a modern judicial enterprise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]