Examining the Role of Family Institutions in Resolving Disputes within Maiduguri Metropolis Practice and Procedure

Historically, the family institution plays an important role in the social, economic and political organization of human societies. This is so, because within the family institution, core societal values are nurtured, institutionalized and transferred from one generation to the other. Over the years however, the family institution has undergone tremendous transformation in its structure, composition and role in dispute resolution within the society. This paper therefore, examines the family institution in the traditional and in the contemporary societies of Maiduguri. It also assesses the dispute resolution structure which is non-confrontational in nature and progressive. It encourages families to focus on the future and problem-solving strategies rather than the problems of the past, thereby identifying some of the changes the family institution has undergone. How such changes affect the role of the family in the sustenance of core societal values and aspirations. It is the conception of this paper that if societies in Maiduguri continue to live the ‘paradox’ of civilization and modernity, the core societal value of the customs and practice in Maiduguri may be eroded and the traditional practices amicable resolution of disputes of family institution among the family members known for decades may be a foregone issue or history.