Ogun Assembly parleys traditional council on new chieftaincy law

The Ogun State House of Assembly Wednesday held an interactive session with stakeholders including the State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs as well as paramount rulers and the State Council of Baales on the proposed Chieftaincy Law.

The initiative was preparatory to setting the pace for the process of putting in place a new law aimed at repealing the existing legislation for a more comprehensive law that would help reform traditional institutions in the state.

The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo, who presided over the session, noted that the session was meant to parley the monarchs with a view to putting in place an all- encompassing legislation towards resolving issues creating avoidable legal tussle in the institution, thereby creating unnecessary distractions and expenses for government. 

Decrying the numerous court cases relating to installation of monarchs and land related matters filed before the different courts, the Speaker opined that the traditional institution supposed to be exemplary and dignified, hence the need for the traditional rulers to be apolitical being the custodians of the rich culture and tradition of the people.

Oluomo expressed the readiness of the 9th legislature in the state to blaze the trail by setting the pace for improved standard to give a well-defined role to traditional rulers, especially on how to strengthen security in their respective domains, while putting in place measures towards maintaining hierarchy within the traditional system.

In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Afolabi Afuape described the proposed legislation as laudable and long overdue, saying it would put an end to the aged long disputes in the process of installation, elevation, ranking and area of prescribed authority for monarchs.

Responding, the representative of the Chairman of the State Traditional Council and the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, who is also the Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Yinusa Adekoya, his Egbaland counterpart, represented by the Bantuu of Egbaland, Chief Kehinde Sofenwa, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland represented by the OlokeOdan of Oke-Odan, Oba( Dr) Oluwarotimi Fagbenro and the Representative of Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, who is also the Elepe of Epe Sagamu, Oba Osiberu Adewale, described the Assembly’s move as a right step deserving commendation, as it would address the shortcomings being experienced in the existing law, which they described as “being too cumbersome”. 

Highlighting causes of litigations, petitions and disputes to include undue interference in the process of filling vacant stools, the monarchs recommended the review of the approval of regency council and that of the roles of warrant chiefs; canvassing that the supervisory and moderating role be reserved for the traditional council.

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