Traditional Rulership and Community Development in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State

Abstract

The paper examined traditional rulership and community development in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. The paper adopted a survey design with questionnaire and Key Informant Interview used as instruments of primary data collection. Structural–Functionalism theory was used as a framework of analysis. showed that traditional rulers remain for a variety of reasons, important to the plan and realization of community development projects within the area of control. Findings 
also revealed that traditional rulers constitute the pivot of community development even though they are not entitled to budgetary allocations, they induced the system for effective development ranging from provision of infrastructural facilities such as local roads grading and construction, construction of markets and educational development among others. The paper further revealed that community development in Guma LGA is failing due to improper implementation of public policies and lack of funds. The paper in line with these findings recommended that seminar and training programmes like workshop for rulership and development of skills should from time to time be organized to respond to self-help development projects of the communities. Also, wealthy individuals in the communities can support the traditional rulers embark on projects such as construction of basic amenities including good health centers, electricity and good roads.