The Ilaje-Ugbo and Ijaw-Arogbo Conflict Between 1998/1999, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Student: Daniel Ayininuola Kalejaye (Project, 2025)
Department of History and International Studies
University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State
Abstract
The Ilaje–Ugbo and Ijaw–Arogbo conflict of 1998–1999 in Ondo State, Nigeria, represents a major episode of communal violence rooted in boundary disputes, competition over oil-related resources, and historical grievances. This study examines the causes, dynamics, and consequences of the conflict, drawing from oral interviews, archival records, and secondary sources. Findings reveal that the conflict was primarily driven by disputes over fishing territories, oil derivation benefits, and local political dominance. The violence resulted in significant loss of lives, destruction of property, displacement of communities, and disruption of inter-ethnic relations in the Niger Delta region. The study concludes that weak state intervention, politicization of traditional authority, and unequal access to resources fueled the conflict. It recommends sustained peacebuilding efforts, clear boundary demarcation, equitable resource sharing, and community-based dialogue frameworks to prevent future hostilities.
Keywords
For the full publication, please contact the author directly at: danielkalejaye340@gmail.com
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Institutions
- Covenant Polytechnic, Aba, Abia State 1
- Covenant University, Canaan Land, Ota, Ogun State 4
- Crawford University of Apostolic Faith Mission Faith City, Igbesa, Ogun State 2
- Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State 1
- Cross Rivers University of Technology, Calabar, Cross Rivers State 145
- Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State 14
- Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe, Delta State 13
- Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State 143
- Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State 18
- Edo University, Iyamho, Edo State 11