Traditional Governance Systems and Reform

Abstract

This chapter interrogates the traditional leadership system and its operation in advancing and/or undermining development in Africa. Although this chapter traces the history of traditional leadership from the pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial and apartheid era, emphasis is on the dynamics and nature of traditional leadership post-colonial period. The central argument of this chapter is that conflicts between traditional and democratic leaders arise over political legitimacy, access to resources, and reformation of traditional institutions to play a more democratic and developmental role. Case studies of various African countries (e.g., Kenya, Botswana, Nigeria, South Africa) have been selected to deliberate on the nature and dynamics of the traditional leadership system, with particular emphasis on its reformation.