Wale Jagun
The Lagos State Government has commenced a move to strengthen and modernise the traditional institutions by reviewing the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of the state with a high-level Stakeholders’ Meeting at the Protea Hotel, Alausa, Ikeja during the week.
Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, speaking at the event, emphasised the meeting marked a deliberate and strategic step by the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu to evolve a more responsive and culturally relevant legal framework for traditional institutions in the state.
“As Lagos State navigates the complex waters of contemporary governance, the enduring presence of traditional rulers emerges as a beacon of cultural continuity and social cohesion,” Mr. Pedro stated.
Pedro said that traditional institutions are gradually losing the respect and influence they once commanded, noting that this review is aimed at restoring the dignity of royal institutions by addressing critical gaps, legal ambiguities, and misconduct that threaten the essence of traditions in the state.
He further outlined the key focus areas of the proposed amendment, including the roles of traditional rulers in maintaining law and order, enhancing communication between the government and communities, promoting grassroots development, and resolving conflicts through mediation.
Speaking earlier, Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, expressed delight at the impressive turnout, noting that the diverse representation underscored the value placed on Lagos State’s Chieftaincy Institutions.
Oyenuga described the meeting as a timely opportunity for meaningful dialogue and collaboration aimed at strengthening the Obas and Chiefs Law.
He emphasised the need to align the law, which was last reviewed decades ago, with current realities and constitutional principles while preserving the dignity and historical legacy of traditional rulers.
The Solicitor-General called for constructive engagement, expressing confidence that the deliberations would shape a more inclusive, just, and development-oriented legal framework for chieftaincy matters in the state.
Also speaking at the event, His Royal Majesty Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, commended the initiative of the State Government and stressed the importance of restoring confidence in the traditional institution.
“We, as custodians of culture and morality, have a sacred responsibility to uphold the values of our people. However, this responsibility must be matched with a legal framework that protects our roles and ensures accountability. The law must help preserve our heritage, not weaken it. I commend Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration for recognizing this,” the Ayangbure said.
The meeting also served as a platform for traditional rulers and stakeholders to provide direct feedback on contentious issues, including the proliferation of chieftaincy titles, prolonged litigations, and the emergence of titles not rooted in community history or custom.
The Stakeholders’ meeting concluded with a strong call for continued collaboration as the law progressed toward amendment and eventual passage by the Lagos State House of Assembly.
In attendance were the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Kayode Robert; The PS, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa; The PS, Citizens Mediation Bureau, Mrs Derinsola Olanrewaju; Chairman, Standing Tribunal of Inquiry into Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Justice O.A Dabiri; Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, Petitions, Human Rights and LASIEC, Hon. Oladipo Ajomale, Traditional Rulers, White Cap Chiefs, Chieftaincy Officers from LGAs, Directors and Lawyers.
