Ondo State officials have issued a stern warning to traditional rulers, cautioning them against transforming their palaces into detention centers or functioning as parallel courts. The message came from Olukayode Ajulo, the state's Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, during a three-day workshop held in Akure. The event, organized by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, aimed to reorient traditional leaders toward modern governance principles while preserving their cultural significance. Ajulo emphasized that traditional rulers operate within a constitutional framework and must distinguish between customary authority and legal powers reserved for courts, police, and other official institutions. He clarified that the Constitution does not recognize traditional rulers as a fourth arm of government, even though it acknowledges their potential contributions to local governance and community development. During his address, Ajulo highlighted the need for traditional rulers to view themselves primarily as custodians of history and culture, symbols of communal identity, peace-builders, mediators, and community mobilizers. He stressed that traditional institutions should not serve as alternatives to formal legal systems or governmental structures. Instead, they should focus on fostering harmony and supporting sustainable development through culturally relevant practices. Ajulo specifically warned against the misuse of traditional authority, urging monarchs not to engage in indefinite detention of individuals accused of crimes such as theft, insults to the palace, debt default, violation of community rules, or involvement in disputes. He reiterated that such matters must be addressed by legally authorized law enforcement institutions rather than traditional courts or palaces. The attorney general further advised traditional rulers to avoid using customary authority as justification for self-help measures in cases involving land grabbing, intimidation, forceful entry, or illegal occupation. He called upon them to preserve peace and refer such issues to the appropriate statutory authorities, including the Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force where applicable. In addition to these warnings, Ajulo encouraged traditional institutions to enhance their role in the state's security infrastructure by providing reliable community intelligence to the government and security agencies. This includes reporting on issues such as kidnapping, cult activities, communal clashes, illegal mining, and farmer-herder conflicts. However, he explicitly cautioned against traditional rulers acting as substitute security agencies. Ajulo also outlined ways in which traditional institutions can support development efforts. These include attracting investments, resolving disputes, protecting investors, promoting agricultural growth, conserving natural resources, and encouraging youth entrepreneurship. He noted that the goal of repositioning traditional institutions was not to undermine their authority but to ensure that their moral and cultural influence operates within the bounds of the law. The workshop, themed “Repositioning the Traditional Institution for Harmonious Communal Relationship, Security, Cultural Preservation and Sustainable Development,” brought together traditional rulers from across Ondo State. It aimed to align traditional leadership with contemporary governance standards while maintaining their unique cultural roles. The discussions underscored the importance of collaboration between traditional leaders and statutory institutions to achieve common goals in peacebuilding, security, and development.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.
Become a Supporter
NG
