TOWARDS A THEOLOGY OF CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION: A STUDY OF RELIGIOUS CONFLICT IN CONTEMPORARY NIGERIAN SOCIETY Israel Adelani Akanji PhD The University of Edinburgh 2011 DECLARATION I hereby declare that this thesis is my own work and constitutes the results of my research in the subject. All quotations have been distinguished by quotation marks or by block quotes in the main text of the thesis, and the sources of information specifically acknowledged by means of footnotes . (∫π®¨≥ ´¨≥®µ∞ ≤®µ±∞ 1 ABSTRACT Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, is bedevilled with various conflicts which have been exacerbated by the multiplicity and diversity which characterize the nation. The country is a multi-ethnic, multicultural, multiregional and multi-religious society. And while such arrays of features are not peculiar to Nigeria, managing them has greatly propped up various conflicts, with religious conflict emerging as one of the most devastating of all. It would appear as though, more than any other single issue, religious conflict has become a threat to national cohesion, stability and development. It has led to fears, suspicions, unrest; mass displacement of people, destruction of lives and property; consequently leading to major set-backs for nation building. The three main religions of Nigeria are the Indigenous Religions, Islam and Christianity, with Islam and Christianity having almost equal strength of adherence. While the indigenous religions have generally been tolerant and accommodating of the two “guest” religions, contestations and incessant violent clashes have characterized the relationship between Muslims and Christians, particularly in Northern Nigeria, and this has been on the increase in frequency, intensity and sophistication. This situation has led to the emergence and deployment of numerous approaches towards transforming conflicts in order to ensure peaceful co-existence of all the people. The task of this thesis is to contribute practical, theological reflections to the ongoing search for how Nigeria will end the undesired religious conflict between Muslims and Christians and build a peaceful and harmonious society. To do this, John Paul Lederach’s conceptual framework for conflict transformation was adopted and explained in chapter one; and two religious conflicts which took place in the Northern Nigerian cities of Jos and Maduguri were empirically investigated through intensive fieldwork. A review of relevant literature was carried out in chapter two and an elaborate explanation of the socio-scientific and theological methodologies adopted for the research was presented in the third chapter. In order to establish the causes, manifestations and consequences of the conflicts, chapter four and five explored their remote and root causes. Because this research is grounded on the assumption that religion is not just a source of conflict, but a resource for peace, and on the contribution of faiths to contemporary public 2 debates, it provides a new approach which challenges the religious institutions, particularly the Church, through its pastoral ministry, to become actively involved in the transformation of conflict in the nation. The research holds that the greatest contribution of religion to the quest to transform religious conflict in Nigeria is through a practical theology which should be demonstrated in both spirituality and strategy. As such, and based on empirical findings from the zones of conflict, a theology of hospitality is suggested in chapter six, as a gradual but effective method of transforming relationships between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria. While the approach does not preclude other approaches, it offers the enormous resources, possibilities and opportunities, ingrained within the religious domain for conflict transformation in contemporary Nigerian society. The strategies for achieving the desired transformation of the situation of conflict on short and long-term basis through the theology of hospitality are suggested in the seventh chapter. 3 DEDICATION TO THE GLORY OF GOD And THE MEMORY OF MY PARENTS REV AND MRS TIMOTHY ADETORO AKANJI 4 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT First and foremost, I wish to express my profound gratitude to the Almighty God who made it possible for me to undertake this study after many years of prayers and waiting. What seemed to be a delay to me has turned out into great blessings for His greater glory and for this, I shall be eternally grateful. The timing for the studies could not have been better than now. May His name be glorified for His living presence which provided light and life throughout the course of my studies! Second, I am grateful to the entire members of First Baptist Church, Garki, Abuja for granting me study leave and full sponsorship. I am short of words to appreciate their love, constantly support, counsel, understanding and prayers throughout the period of my studies. I can only pray that the Almighty God will continue to make His glorious face shine on the entire Church. Many individuals have helped me during the course of my research. I would like to specially thank my principal supervisor, Dr Afe Adogame, for guidance and useful suggestions throughout the various stages of this research. My thanks are also due to Dr Jack Thompson for his constant encouragement in many ways during the course my studies and his occasional tips regarding the crucial elements of the research. Again, many thanks go to Mr Joseph Yakubu and Mallam Yahusa of CEPAN, Jos; Prof. Umar Danfulani of the University of Jos, and Prof. Yusufu Ameh Obaje, for their useful advices during my fieldwork in Nigeria. Thanks are also due to my team of research assistants, coordinated by Mr. Ezekiel Daluk, who worked hard to ensure a successful field work and Late Dr Dorcas Akintunde, for her useful suggestions in the formatting of this work. Also, my thanks go to the members of the ACCF and Duncan Street Baptist Church, Edinburgh, for their fellowship with me and constant spiritual encouragement during my studies. There are a number of friends, staff, and colleagues within the First Baptist Church, Garki, Abuja, to whom I am indebted for spiritual, moral and financial support throughout the period of my studies. Among them are: Senator and Mrs. Jonathan Zwingina, Mr and Mrs James A. Olotu, Mr. and Mrs. O.M Adebayo, Barr. D.J Bature, Deacon Niyi Owoade, Baba Adeyanju, Baba Emmanuel Ashaolu, Mrs I.A Ilori, Senators A.O Mamora and Koleosho; Chief and Mrs Bamidele Dada, Mr S.O 5 Adekunle, Mr. Tomi Oyelade, Dn. and Mrs B.O Solomon, Dn. and Dns. Kunle Mokuolu, Dn. and Mrs Sunny Okwudiashi, Dr and Mrs Femi Babalola, Mrs. Mary Adamu, Mrs Kemi Nandab, Mr and Mrs Jolomi Areyenka, Mrs. Benjamin, Mrs. T. Fapouhunda, Mrs. B. Omotowa, Mrs R. Kehinde, Mrs. C.A Alabi, Egnr. and Mrs Wole Adebayo, Mr. Niyi Ajiboye, Mrs. Juliet Amego, Dr and Mrs James Daniel, Dr Francis Ayandele, Dr and Dr Mrs Alade, Chief and Mrs Bulus Danmagaji, Mr and Mrs M.O Agbola, Mr. and Mrs Elegbede, Chief Mrs. Babarinde, Mr. and Mrs Dale Bagaiya, Mrs. Sa’id, Mrs. Gajere, Mr. James Odey, Mr and Mrs Dele Afolabi, Pastor and Mrs. Osas Ogbeide, Dn. And Dns. Banji Babarinde, Mrs. Stella Mohammed, Amb. and Mrs Peter Oyedele, Dn. and Mrs Nebolisa Arah, and Pastor and Mrs James Akinola. I am also thankful for the support and team spirit of my Associate Ministers and various Church groups namely, Rev. Tom Takpatore, Rev F.K.A Adeyefa and Rev T.J Ipinnaiye; the Church Council, Diaconate, Establishment Committee, MMU, WMU, Youth Fellowship, Teenagers and Children. I thank my sisters Eunice, Agnes and Joyce, and brother, Raphael; my father-in-law, Late Chief David Ayanwuyi, Mrs. Victoria Ojo, and other relations who encouraged me with prayers and counsel throughout my period of studies. I also specially thank President Olusegun Obasanjo for personally encouraging me in this endeavour. Most especially, I am grateful to my darling wife Victoria, for her warm and enriching companionship and understanding, and for being a source of encouragement throughout my period of research. Also, sincere thanks are due to our lovely children, Damaris, Gaius and Tabitha, who endured an absentee father throughout the long and lonely period of research and supported me with counsels and prayers. May God bless them abundantly! 6 TABLE OF CONTENTS Declaration……………………………………………………………………..1 Abstract………………………………………………………………………....2 Dedication………………………………………………………………………4 Acknowledgement…………………………………………………...................5 Table of Content………………………………………………………………..7 List of Abbreviations…………………………………………………………..13 List of Plates…………………………………………………………………...17 Map of Nigeria…………………………………………………………………18 CHAPTER ONE - GENERAL INTRODUCTION Introduction …………………………………………………………………….19 Statement of the Problem………………………………………………………..23 Purpose and Importance of Study………………………………………………..29 Conceptual Framework…………………………………………………………..32 Scope and Limitation of Study…………………………………………………...51 Organization of Work…………………………………………………………….52 CHAPTER TWO - DISCOURSES ON CONFLICT: A REVIEW OF LITERATURE Introduction………………………………………………………………………..54 A Brief Historiography of Conflict Studies……………………………………….54 General Conflict Theories…………………………………………………………59 The Inherency (Micro) Theories…………………………………………………..59 The Contingency (Macro) Theories……………………………………………….61 The Eclectic (Hybrid) Theories……………………………………………………64 Conflicts in Nigeria ………………………………………………………………..65 Approaches to Conflict Handling in Nigeria………………………………………68