Concerned by the need to review the State Chieftaincy Law to address incessant litigation in chieftaincy matters, ensure adherence to due process in the installation, promotion, burial rites, composition and the activities of kingmakers, as well as the need for Chieftaincy Tribunal, the Ogun State House of Assembly has held an interactive session with relevant stakeholders including the State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Paramount Rulers and 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 one that would help reform the traditional institution in the State.
Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo, who presided over the plenary, at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, noted that it was meant to parley the monarchs to have all-encompassing legislation.
Oluomo posited that the development would resolve issues creating avoidable legal tussle in the institution and prevent unnecessary distractions at the expense of the government.
Decrying the numerous court cases relating to the installation of monarchs and land-related matters filed before different courts, the Speaker opined that the traditional institutions were supposed to be exemplary and dignified. He emphasised the need for the traditional rulers to be apolitical being the custodians of the rich culture and tradition of the people.
He expressed the readiness of the ninth 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, Hon. Afolabi Afuape described the proposed legislation as laudable and overdue, saying it would put an end to the age-long disputes in the process of installation, elevation, ranking and area of the prescribed authority for monarchs.
Responding, the Chairman of State Traditional Council and Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, represented by Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Yinusa Adekoya, Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, represented by the Bantuu of Egbaland, Chief Kehinde Sofenwa, Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, represented by the OlokeOdan of Oke-Odan, Oba (Dr.) Oluwarotimi Fagbenro and Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, represented by the Elepe of Epe, Sagamu, Oba Osiberu Adewale, described the Assembly's move as a right step deserving commendation, which would address the shortcomings being experienced in the existing law, 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 roles of warrant chiefs, canvassing that the supervisory and moderating role be reserved for the traditional council.
In another development, the Assembly through its Committee on Oil, Gas, Energy, Water Resources and Rural Development, led by Hon. Abdul Bashir Oladunjoye, has directed the Head of Commercial Operations of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company ( IBEDC), Mr. Ayoola Adio to immediately issue a letter of non-indebtedness and release to the Alasia- Likorodu community in Sagamu Local Government Area, to allow them to source their alternative energy.
Hon. Oladunjoye issued the directive during a tripartite meeting with the Special Assistant to the Governor on Energy, Mr. Wale Sulaiman, the Management team of IBEDC, and the affected community. He explained that issuance of the letter would enable the community which had been in darkness for over four years to disconnect from the national grid, connect to the Ikeja Distribution Company to access electricity.
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