POLITENESS STRATEGIES AS VIABLE DISPUTE SETTLEMENT APPROACH BETWEEN FULANI HERDSMEN AND VILLAGE SETTLERS IN OKE-OGUN AREA OF OYO STATE

Abstract

The Oke-Ogun region of Oyo State, a significant agricultural hub, faces rising violence due to tensions between indigenous farmers and Fulani herders, which threatens the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While existing peace studies focus on fact-finding, this

 study investigates the role of language, particularly politeness strategies, in addressing these conflicts, by exploring how sociolinguistic resources are utilized. Brown and Levinson’s Politeness Theory was applied to interrogate how communication promotes understanding and reduces hostility between the groups. Fieldwork activities included interviews and observations in local government areas, engaging traditional rulers, community members, and Fulani herders. Analysis revealed that the identified conflicts stem from linguistic and non-linguistic factors, such as ideological differences, mythical beliefs, and environmental issues like desertification. Yoruba farmers dehumanize Fulani herders with animal metaphors, while Fulani view the Yoruba as passive. Myths, such as Fulani beliefs in plants for cattle fertility, fuel conflicts when herders graze on crops. Desertification exacerbates Fulani migration, increasing competition for resources. Politeness strategies, such as tact and agreement maxims, aid conflict resolution through blame-shifting, metaphorical language, collectivization, and indirectness. The conclusion is that these strategies, while promoting understanding, also support SDGs in food security and peaceful coexistence. However, deep-seated tensions and external influences may limit their effectiveness. Peaceful management of herders-farmers conflicts in Oke-Ogun, Oyo State, requires a respectful approach with dialogue, active listening, and mutual respect through politeness principles. State and non-state agencies can play key roles by facilitating dialogue, promoting cultural understanding, offering conflict resolution training, and conducting research to identify root causes of such conflicts and support community-driven solutions for Sustainable Development Goals.