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ABSTRACT
The role and relevance of traditional authorities in the political life of mNigeria has been an issue of discuss in which there are varying approach by different indidivuals and scholars if traditional authorities should continue to exist or they should be abolished, this research was concerned with evaluating the role of the Benin Traditional Institution in governance of Benin Kingdomand Edo state state ar large, in which the study sought to investigate the importance and potentials of the Benin Traditional authority towards improving the political life of Benin Kingowm and Edo state at large. The study was carried out among 400 participants in Benin City using a Likert scale questionnaire. Findings of the study showed that; the Benin Traditional Institution has executed various community development programmes. Such as security challenges, attracting philanthropy for infrastructure and welfare, promoting social cohesion, fostering patriotism, providing dispute resolution, and safeguarding cultural ethos. The finding also shoed that; the Benin Traditional Authority faces challenges in actively participating in democratic governance. Challenges include poor allocation of power from the constitution, lack of enforcement on pronouncements, and the transfer of cultural responsibilities to the state government. The study therefore recommended that the Edo State Government should actively involve traditional institutions in the development planning process, leveraging their knowledge and influence to address community needs effectively, Legislative measures should be taken to empower the Benin Traditional Authority with proper decision-making authority and legal recognition, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to governance; and that the Academia should facilitate community engagement activities to raise awareness about the importance of traditional institutions in governance and encourage active participation in decision-making processes.
