- Legal and traditional experts called for a revival of Customary Law in Nigeria’s justice system.
- Prof. Akinola Ibidapo-Obe emphasized the value of indigenous legal principles, especially on environmental justice.
- Traditional rulers praised the NBA Epe Branch and I-ADR for fostering legal education rooted in cultural context.
In a bid to strengthen traditional justice systems, the Institute of Alternative Dispute Resolution Development and Conflict Management of Nigeria (I-ADR Nigeria) on Monday, July 28, 2025, hosted a one-day training on Customary Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for legal practitioners, traditional rulers, and stakeholders in Epe, Lagos State.
Ekohotblog reports that the event, held at the Epe Local Government Secretariat Chamber, was part of the 2025 Law Week activities of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Epe Branch.
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The week was specially dedicated to legal icon Aare Afe Babalola, who once commenced his legal journey in Epe.
According to the NBA Epe Branch Chairman, Dr. S.O. Jimoh, the training aimed to bridge the gap between statutory legal practices and indigenous justice systems, advocating for the revitalization of Customary Law in Nigeria.
During the session, experts and traditional leaders emphasized the need to recognize and promote customary dispute resolution methods which, they argued, have proven to foster reconciliation and social harmony more effectively than common law approaches.
“Customary Law is what we make use of while making judgments. The Yorubas are the ones belittling their Customary Law.
Customary arbitration needs to be promoted, because the foreigners who gave us their own law have now realized that ours is the best,” said Prof. Akinola Ibidapo-Obe, a key resource person at the training.
He continued, “What is being taught our law students for four years in university is Common Law; therefore, I appeal to our universities to go back to Customary Law. There is nothing in European Law that is not in our Customary Law.
For instance, Environmental Law is in Ifa’s Book. It spells out the consequences of not taking good care of your environment.”
Prof. Obe also highlighted research conducted in collaboration with the British Embassy, which showed that traditional rulers dispense justice in ways that preserve relationships between disputing parties.
He urged local governments to provide necessary tools,such as digital recording devices and staff training, to strengthen traditional dispute resolution structures.
“I-ADR is the only body promoting Traditional and Customary Law in Nigeria, and I sincerely appreciate NBA Epe Branch for organizing this training,” he concluded.
Supporting the views, Hon. Justice Wasiu Animahun and other facilitators spoke in favor of customary dispute resolution, noting its effectiveness in delivering restorative justice.
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NBA Chairman Dr. Jimoh added, “It is through Customary Law that people get justice. Common law only provides judgment, which most often creates more enmity than continuous relationship or friendship, due to the fact that it makes one party a loser and the other a winner.”
Traditional rulers who attended the training—including the Aladeshonyin of Odo-Noforija, Oba (Dr.) Babatunde Ogunlaja; the Alade-Uraka of Poka, Oba Ayodele Kolawole; and the Aladepekun of Odo-Egiri, Oba Musiliu Abiola Oliwo, commended the NBA Epe Branch and I-ADR for organizing the timely event, describing it as an eye-opener and a step toward reclaiming indigenous legal heritage.
