CHALLENGES OF LAND REFORMS AND APPLICATION OF ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION (ADR) ON RESOURCE-BASED CONFLICTS MANAGEMENT IN SOUTH WEST NIGERIA

This study explores the challenges of land reforms and the application of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms in managing resource-based conflicts in Southwest Nigeria, focusing on Lagos and Ogun States. A sample size of 291 respondents was derived through stratified random sampling across various stakeholder groups, with 147 participants from Lagos and 144 from Ogun. The study investigates how traditional land ownership, governmental interventions, and ADR methods influence land-related disputes and reform efforts. Findings indicate that in Lagos State, traditional land ownership issues remain the most significant challenge, with 50.0% of respondents attributing resource-based conflicts to this variable. Conversely, in Ogun State, executive highhandedness in handling land issues emerged as the leading cause of conflict, with 47.3% of respondents identifying it as a major challenge. Notably, land resource-based conflicts attributed to actions by the federal and state governments were minimal in both states, 0.7% in Lagos and 0.0% in Ogun, suggesting limited direct involvement or impact at that level. In terms of conflict resolution, the application of arbitration and reforms addressing land grabbing showed limited success, with effectiveness rated at 10% in Lagos and 18.7% in Ogun. These findings underscore the persistent structural and administrative challenges in land governance and point to the underutilization or limited success of ADR mechanisms in mitigating land-related conflicts. The study concludes that while ADR holds promise for de-escalating disputes, its current application remains insufficient. Recommendations include stronger institutional frameworks for ADR, community-inclusive land policy reforms, and increased public awareness to enhance peaceful and equitable resolution of land conflicts in the region.