- Pedro explained that it was a purposeful step taken by Mr. Sanwo-Olu’s government to bring the law up-to-date in accordance with current realities.
- The proposed amendments will formally acknowledge traditional rulers as essential partners in various aspects of governance and local administration.
- Traditional rulers collectively requested a one-month period to study the proposed bill in-depth.
The Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration has begun a thorough review of the Obas and Chiefs Law of 2015, in an effort to modernize the legal framework governing traditional institutions.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the announcement was made on Wednesday by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Alausa, Ikeja.
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Emphasizing the importance of the review, Mr. Pedro explained that it was a purposeful step taken by Mr. Sanwo-Olu’s government to bring the law up-to-date in accordance with current realities and good governance practices.
Expressing concern over the erosion of respect for traditional institutions, Mr. Pedro cited misconduct, unchecked proliferation of unverified chieftaincy titles, and protracted litigation surrounding succession rights as contributing factors.
“Our royal fathers remain symbols of cultural continuity and community leadership. But today, with due respect, the institution is under threat from land grabbing, unlawful upgrades, and chieftaincy titles not rooted in the community’s customs,” he said.
According to the commissioner, the review aims to fill gaps in the existing Obas and Chiefs Law and redefine the roles of traditional rulers to encompass conflict resolution, peacekeeping, and community development partnership.
The proposed amendments will formally acknowledge traditional rulers as essential partners in various aspects of governance and local administration.
“The law must evolve. Our Obas can help reduce crime by mediating disputes, gathering public feedback, and promoting community initiatives.
“Also, there is a need to restore integrity to the process of conferring chieftaincy titles. Only persons of proven honour and community ties should be eligible.
“This process is about partnership, not imposition as we want a law that preserves heritage while promoting justice, peace, and good governance,” he explained.
Seeking adequate time to provide quality feedback, the traditional rulers collectively requested a one-month period to study the proposed bill in-depth.
Among those voicing concerns was the traditional ruler of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, who emphasized the need for more explicit legal provisions regarding the status of divisional and provincial chieftaincy councils.
In addition, he called upon the Lagos State government to take a firm stance against individuals misrepresenting themselves as monarchs.
“We want a clear legal distinction between traditional and provincial councils. We have reported impostors multiple times, yet no action has been taken. This must stop,” he said.
Oba Shotobi opposed any potential changes to the existing leadership structure of the State Council of Obas.
The current framework acknowledges four vice-chairpersons representing the state’s four traditional divisions, which Shotobi believes should remain intact.
He further stressed the importance of consulting local Chief Transit Committees before making any state-level appointments, ensuring the inclusion and representation of all relevant stakeholders.
Emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach, Oba Shotobi urged the government not to exclude chiefs from the ongoing reform process.
In order for traditional rulers to provide well-informed and collective input on the draft law, Oba Shotobi requested a one-month period for review.
“Our decisions are sometimes ignored in court due to lack of legal backing. We need enabling laws to make our rulings count,” he said.
In his welcome remarks, Hammed Oyenuga, the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Justice, emphasized the significance of the forum as a platform for collaboration among stakeholders involved in traditional governance.
“This gathering presents a unique opportunity for robust dialogue, reflection, and collaboration as we seek to strengthen the law that directly impacts our revered traditional institutions and the communities they serve,” he said.
Oyenuga emphasized the importance of updating the law to align with contemporary realities while preserving cultural heritage
Following the productive discussions at the stakeholders’ meeting, there was a consensus among participants to engage in further deliberations within a four-week period before submitting the final amendments to the Obas and Chiefs Law.
