The Role of Social Justice in Promoting Peaceful Coexistence in Rural Ogun State Communities

Nigeria, a nation endowed with rich cultural heritage and abundant natural resources, continues to confront deep-seated issues of social justice. Historical, political, and socioeconomic factors—rooted in both colonial and postcolonial experiences—have shaped persistent inequalities and systemic discrimination across the country. Colonial legacies, including resource exploitation and regional marginalization, alongside post-independence struggles over power and representation, have intensified ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic tensions. Despite Nigeria’s oil wealth, disparities in resource distribution and widespread poverty underscore the challenges of achieving equitable development. This study examines the historical and structural determinants of social injustice in Nigeria, highlighting the need for policies and interventions that promote fairness, inclusion, and social cohesion