Reconciliation As an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Solving Matrimonial Conflict Among Nigerian Muslim Organizations in London

Abstract

The main objective of this paper was to empirically explore reconciliation as a mechanism for alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in addressing matrimonial conflict among Nigerian Muslim Organizations in London. Quantitative research design was employed in this study. The population of the research comprised members of Nigerian Muslims organizations in London and the sample of 211 was selected. The questionnaire was used as instrument of data collected. The analyses of the data collected were done using descriptive statistics and multiple regression through Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23.0. The results demonstrated that the majority of the respondents strongly indicated that the Nigerian Muslim Organizations in London have significant roles to play in utilizing reconciliation for solving matrimonial issues. In addition, the results of multiple regression showed that, in order to determine the variance of the roles of Nigerian Muslim Organizations in London regarding solving matrimonial issues as dependent variable as being shown in the model in connection with the three main variables (i.e., reconciliation, Islamic law and customary law), the value of R-Square shows 82.5% of variance concerning the roles of Nigerian Muslim Organizations in London in addressing matrimonial issues. Based on this value, the model suggests that, the Council of Nigerian Muslim Organizations has been doing the needful in solving the challenge of matrimonial dispute among Muslims. Practically, the application of ADR would significantly and drastically reduce the rate of matrimonial challenges that eventually lead to divorce. The originality and value of this study can be manifested from the use of empirical data to substantiate the discourse of the study of most of previous studies focused on propagation activities of Nigerian Muslim Organizations in London. It is therefore recommended that; the leaders of various Muslim Organizations among Nigerians in London should sensitize members on the implications of matrimonial issues and consequences of divorces on the wellbeing of parents as well as their wards.