The Lagos State Government has initiated a comprehensive review of the Obas and Chiefs Law of 2015 to address identified gaps and modernise traditional governance in line with current realities.
The state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN), disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Wednesday in Alausa, Ikeja.
Pedro described the review as a deliberate initiative by the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to enhance the relevance and effectiveness of traditional institutions within a framework of good governance.
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He decried the diminishing respect for royal institutions, attributing it to misconduct, a proliferation of unverified chieftaincy titles, and protracted legal battles over succession.
“Our royal fathers are enduring symbols of cultural heritage and communal leadership,” he said. “However, their roles are increasingly undermined by issues such as land grabbing, illegitimate title conferments, and unauthorised upgrades that deviate from established customs.”
The commissioner stated that the revised legislation aims to redefine the roles of traditional rulers to encompass conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and grassroots development.
He said the amendments would formally recognise traditional leaders as strategic partners in promoting public order, resolving disputes, and disseminating government policies at the community level.
“The law must evolve. Our Obas have the capacity to reduce communal tensions, resolve disputes, and promote local initiatives,” he added. “We must also ensure the integrity of the chieftaincy process by conferring titles only on individuals of proven integrity and strong community ties.”
He stressed that the process was intended to be collaborative, not prescriptive, aimed at safeguarding cultural heritage while promoting peace and accountability.
The traditional rulers from across the state attended the meeting and contributed to the discussion on the proposed amendments.
The monarchs unanimously requested a one-month window to review the draft bill thoroughly and provide coordinated feedback.
The Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, called for clearer legal definitions regarding divisional and provincial chieftaincy councils. He also urged the state to take firm action against individuals falsely presenting themselves as Obas.
“We need clear distinctions in law between divisional and provincial councils,” Shotobi said. “Despite repeated complaints about impostors, no concrete steps have been taken. This must change.”
He further objected to any changes in the leadership structure of the State Council of Obas, which currently includes four vice-chairmen representing the state’s four traditional divisions. He emphasised that local Chief Transit Committees should be consulted before any appointments are made at the state level, warning against the exclusion of local chiefs from ongoing reforms.
Oba Shotobi also advocated for legal backing for traditional dispute resolution mechanisms handled within palaces.
“Our rulings are sometimes disregarded in courts due to the absence of statutory recognition. We need enabling legislation to give our decisions legal weight,” he said.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Mr Hammed Oyenuga, noted that the forum presented a unique opportunity for collaborative engagement on the future of traditional institutions in Lagos.
“This forum allows for meaningful dialogue and collaboration as we work to update legislation that directly affects our revered traditional institutions and the communities they serve,” he stated.
Oyenuga underscored the need for the law to reflect contemporary realities while respecting longstanding cultural traditions.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to reconvene within four weeks for further deliberations before the final amendments are presented.
