10th U6+ Consortium of African Universities International Conference

Marital conflict is increasingly prevalent in Ilorin, Kwara State, leading to broken marriages, divorce, and family disintegration. The weakness of formal adjudication has prompted the Council of Ulama to mediate conflicts among couples. This study examined the effects of Ulama intervention on marital conflict in Ilorin. Using a mixed-method design, 102 questionnaires were administered to married couples and 100 to Ulama, Sharia court judges, and community leaders, with 96 and 100 responses analyzed, respectively. Additionally, 10 key informant interviews were conducted. Findings revealed that marital conflict arises from sexual and social incompatibility, poor communication, lack of respect, infidelity, and moral decadence. Mediation by the Ulama positively impacted conflict resolution, reducing divorce, domestic violence, marital stress, and neglect of children. Challenges included the non-binding nature of mediation and occasional resistance by couples. The study recommends legal recognition of the Council, formal mediation training, monitoring of outcomes, and regular sensitization programs for new couples.