The Role of Political Leadership on Chieftaincy Tussle and Development Challenges in Selected Communities in Benue State, Nigeria

Bad political leadership has been adjudged to be the clog in the wheel of progress and development in Nigeria. This paper examined the role of Political leadership on Chieftaincy tussle and development challenges in selected communities in Benue State, Nigeria. Three research questions guided this study with corresponding objectives. The study adopted the Transformational Leadership theory as its theoretical framework. Survey research design was employed for this study and the study adopted the purposive/judgmental sampling technique while Krejice & Morgan statistical formula was used to determine the sample size for the study. The primary data were presented in tabular frequency. The frequency distribution of the responses from each of the questionnaire item were analyzed using simple percentage frequency. The result of the scores of the Mean and Standard Deviation were analyzed for both theoretical and practical values, and used to agree or disagree with each of the research questions of the study at 2.5 level of significance while the secondary data were analyzed using content analytical model. The study revealed among others, poor implementation of chieftaincy tussle and development challenges policies by political leadership in Benue state in Ter Ukum, Tyoor Ukum, Ter Buruku, Tyoor Buruku and Oga Edikwu communities during the specified period in terms of improving infrastructural development based on this the study therefore recommended among others that, Political leaders in Benue State should establish robust mechanisms for the effective implementation of chieftaincy tussle management strategies to enhance development. The study further revealed that, political leaders in Benue state adopt authoritative/autocratic leadership style which create chieftaincy tussle in communities in turn impedes development. This study therefore, recommend adoption of democratic leadership style to promote equity, justice and fairness. When this done, it will bring about peace and the desired development in communities.