IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL POLICY (JHSP )

E-ISSN 2545-5729
P-ISSN 2695 2416
VOL. 11 NO. 3 2025
DOI: 10.56201/jhsp.vol.11.no3.2025.pg59.81

---

Ethnolinguistic Diversity and Conflict in Bayelsa State: Identity, Mobilization, and Conflict Resolution

Undutimi J Dudafa, PhD, and Ifaenyichukwu Otodo, PhD

---

Abstract

Ethnolinguistic diversity is critical to social cohesion and conflict dynamics in multi-ethnic societies. This study examines the extent to which identity-related grievances contribute to the mobilisation of groups for violent conflicts in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. It further investigates the impact of ethnolinguistic diversity on conflict resolution through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms and explores appropriate measures for mitigating inter-group tensions. The study is anchored on Tajfel and Turner’s (1978) Social Identity Theory (SIT) and Ted Gurr’s Relative Deprivation Theory, which provide a framework for understanding the role of identity and perceived deprivation in conflict emergence. A correlational study design was adopted, focusing on four selected local government areas in Bayelsa State: Yenagoa, Ogbia, Southern Ijaw, and Nembe. The study utilised a multi-stage sampling technique, combining convenience and judgmental sampling to ensure a diverse and representative sample of 400 respondents. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and supplemented by documentary evidence. Findings indicate that ethnolinguistic diversity significantly contributes to conflict, with 74% of respondents affirming personal experiences of such tensions. Heightened inter-group sentiments and mobilization for violence were identified as primary triggers. Additionally, ADR mechanisms were found to be instrumental in mitigating disputes, though challenges persist. The study underscores the need for inclusive governance, inter-ethnic dialogue, and policy interventions to address identity-related conflicts. By fostering a deeper understanding of conflict dynamics, this research provides actionable recommendations for sustainable peace and development in Bayelsa State.

---

References:

Ajala, O. (2020). New drivers of conflict in Nigeria: an analysis of the clashes between farmers
and pastoralists. Third World Quarterly, 41(12), 2048-2066.
Akpan, W. (2007). Ethnic diversity and conflict in Nigeria: Lessons from the Niger Delta Crisis.
Accessed from: https://www.accord.org.za/ajcr-issues/ethnic-diversity-and-conflict-in-
nigeria/
Arowosegbe,
J.
O.
(2019).
Hausa-Fulani
pastoralists
and
resource
conflicts
in
Yorubaland. Interventions, 21(8), 1157-1187.
Awuor, D. C. (2021). Understanding Black-African International Students’ Experiences in
United States colleges and universities through social identity theory. Journal of
International Students, 11(2), 514-518.
Bayelsa State Government (2023). Bayelsa - History and Culture. Available at:
https://bayelsastate.gov.ng/our-history/
Böhm, R., Rusch, H., & Baron, J. (2020). The psychology of intergroup conflict: A review of
theories and measures. Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, 178, 947-962.
Ejiofor, P. F. (2023). The Fear of ethnic domination: Explaining the persistence of natural resource
conflicts in Nigeria. Ethnopolitics, 22(1), 1-21.
Hossain, M. I. (2023). Global Citizens, Civic Responsibility, and Intercultural Communication in
a Rapidly Globalising Multicultural World: Community Revitalisation and Reflective
Practise. Ethnopolitics, 1-28.
Jehn, K. A., Bezrukova, K., & Thatcher, S. (2007). Conflict, diversity, and faultlines in
workgroups. The psychology of conflict and conflict management in organizations, 195-
Leith, R., & Solomon, H. (2001). On ethnicity and ethnic conflict management in Nigeria. African
Journal on Conflict Resolution, 2(1).
Mai-Bornu, Z. (2019). Oil, conflict, and the dynamics of resource struggle in the Niger Delta: A
comparison of the Ogoni and Ijaw movements. The Extractive Industries and Society, 6(4),
1282-1291.
Niger Delta Budget Monitoring Group (2023). Overview of Bayelsa. Accessed from:
https://www.nigerdeltabudget.org/overview-of-bayelsa/
Nnoli, O. (1978). Ethnic politics in Nigeria. Fourth Dimension Publishers.
Ogroh, E. S., Weldone, O. D. & Abari, E. J. (2021). Nigeria: The challenges of herders-farmers’
conflict and national integration. In Ibaba, S. I., Cocodia, K., J. & Sanubi, A. F. (eds).
Tragedy of a Nation: Insight into the dynamics of conflict and insecurity in Nigeria. Port
Harcourt, Zelon Integrated Services Limited.
Okon, E. (2023, April 20). How argument over N50 change lead to death of passenger and keke
driver for Bayelsa. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/articles/cqv0d2djn5qo
Ottoh, F. O. (2018). Ethnic identity and conflicts in Africa. The Palgrave handbook of African
politics, governance and development, 335-351.
Power, S. A., Madsen, T., & Morton, T. A. (2020). Relative deprivation and revolt: current and
future directions. Current opinion in psychology, 35, 119-124.
Reed, H. E., & Mberu, B. U. (2015). Ethnicity, religion, and demographic behavior in Nigeria. The
international handbook of the demography of race and ethnicity, 419-454.
Tajfel, H., & Turner, J. C. (2004). The social identity theory of intergroup behavior. In Political
psychology (pp. 276-293). Psychology Press.

DOWNLOAD PDF

---

Back