The Historical and Institutional Foundations of Traditional Rulership and Land Governance in Ijesaland Osun State, Nigeria

Traditional rulership in Ijesaland, Nigeria, is a complex system of governance that has evolved over time, influenced by colonial and post-independence state centralization. The Owa Obokun, the paramount ruler, is considered the living embodiment of the ancestors and a symbol of unity for the Ijesa people. Land, a central source of livelihood, status, and power, is held in trust by the community, with traditional rulers serving as custodians. However, the Land Use Act of 1978 has created tension between statutory and customary land systems, leading to overlapping claims, ambiguities, and contestations. Traditional rulers, while maintaining moral legitimacy, have been accused of facilitating land grabbing, selling communal land, and allocating land without proper consultation. This study explores the historical and institutional foundations of traditional rulership and land governance in Ijesaland, examining the intersection of indigenous authority, customary land tenure, and modern governance frameworks. Using an exploratory ethnographic research design, the study reveals that traditional rulers navigate complex relationships between communal expectations, state regulations, and personal interests. The study recommends developing legal guidelines that clearly define the role of traditional rulers in land governance, providing training on land laws, conflict resolution, and community engagement, and promoting collaboration between traditional institutions and state authorities to ensure effective land administration.