Hebo, Mamo (PhD)Yemanebrihan, Yewubneh2018-06-252023-11-042018-06-252023-11-042006-03http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/3321The different ethnic groups in Ethiopia have developed their own indigenous mechanism to deal with conflicts. The Oyda of southern Ethiopia are among those ethnic groups with their own conflict resolution mechanism. The main purpose of this study is to explore the role of indigenous institutions of conflict resolution among the Oyda people of southern Ethiopia. This study has employed a qualitative exploratory research to meet the stated objectives of the study. To achieve the above objectives, the study collected primary data from different informants in Oyda Woreda by employing such qualitative data collection techniques as an interview, focus group discussions and observation. A total number of 34 informants were participated in the study. The secondary data sources were obtained from published and unpublished government documents; such as books, journals and different researches. The finding of this research reveals that the indigenous conflict resolution institution is one of the ways of resolving conflict in the study area. The study also came up with the major causes of conflict in the study area and the indigenous means to resolve them through the Bucha Woga conflict resolution institution. The major causes that drive people of the study area in to conflict are family related conflicts, competition in the ceremony of mourning, abduction, adultery, theft, excessive alcohol usage, conflict over the violations of agreement, murder, revenge and insult. This research also exposes the criterion for the selection of an elder in conflict resolution institution and the study areas indigenous rules of law enforcement. It also came up with the relationship that existed between ICRM and the formal court system in resolving conflicts and keeping the societies peace and security. Hence, Bucha Woga plays a core role in resolving conflicts. Key words: conflict, conflict resolution, indigenous, ICRMenConflictConflict ResolutionIndigenousThesis