Traditional Rulers and Local Governance in Benue State: An Examination of Roles and Conflicts in Makurdi Local Government Area

This study examines the roles of traditional rulers in local governance and the nature of their interactions with elected local government officials in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, North Central Nigeria. Traditional institutions have historically served as critical intermediaries between government and rural communities, yet their formal authority has diminished following successive local government reforms in Nigeria. The study is motivated by recurring tensions between customary authorities and local government councils that undermine governance effectiveness in Benue State. A qualitative research design is employed, using in-depth interviews with ten traditional rulers, eight local government executives, and twelve community stakeholders. Data is analyzed thematically to identify patterns of cooperation, conflict, and institutional overlap. The Neo-Institutionalism Theory and the Dual Authority Model provide the theoretical grounding for this research. Secondary sources include Benue State Traditional Rulers Law, academic literature on chieftaincy and governance, and recent policy documents. Findings are expected to reveal that the absence of a clearly defined framework for collaborative governance between traditional and elected authorities contributes to development delays and community tensions. The study recommends the legal formalization of traditional ruler advisory roles within local government planning committees. Its contribution lies in offering a North Central Nigerian case study on the intersection of customary institutions and democratic local governance. Keywords: Traditional rulers, local governance, Makurdi, Benue State, institutional conflict.