The Ondo State Government has warned traditional rulers against unlawfully detaining suspects or conducting criminal proceedings within their palaces, stressing that customary authority must operate within the limits of the Constitution and existing laws.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo, gave the warning on Wednesday in Akure during a three-day capacity-building workshop organised for traditional rulers by the Ondo State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The workshop was held under the theme, “Repositioning the Traditional Institution for Harmonious Communal Relationship, Security, Cultural Preservation and Sustainable Development.”
Ajulo said traditional rulers play important roles in community leadership, peace-building, cultural preservation and conflict resolution, but their authority does not extend to functions constitutionally assigned to courts, the police and other statutory institutions.
‘MONARCHS CANNOT TURN PALACES INTO COURTS’
The Attorney General cautioned monarchs against turning their palaces into makeshift courts or detention facilities.
He explained that traditional institutions operate within Nigeria’s constitutional democracy and are not recognised as a separate “fourth arm of government.”
According to him, traditional rulers should instead focus on their roles as custodians of culture and history, community leaders, mediators, peace-builders and mobilisers.
Ajulo specifically warned against ordering the detention of individuals accused of criminal or other offences.
“An Oba should not order the indefinite detention of a person because that person is accused of stealing, insulting the palace, owing money, violating a community rule or participating in a dispute,” he said.
He maintained that allegations of criminal conduct should be referred to institutions legally empowered to investigate, prosecute and adjudicate such matters.
GOVERNMENT ADVISES MONARCHS ON HANDLING CRIMINAL REPORTS
The commissioner urged traditional rulers who receive reports of criminal conduct to assist in maintaining peace, preserve relevant information and provide credible intelligence to security agencies.
He also encouraged monarchs to ensure fairness when handling customary disputes, noting that allowing all parties to present their positions does not diminish the authority or dignity of a traditional ruler.
While supporting mediation and customary arbitration where appropriate, Ajulo stressed that such processes should be voluntary and clearly distinguished from formal judicial proceedings.
WARNING OVER LAND DISPUTES AND SELF-HELP
The Attorney General also cautioned traditional institutions against using customary authority to justify self-help in disputes involving land grabbing, intimidation, unlawful entry or alleged illegal occupation.
He advised monarchs to maintain peace and refer such matters to the appropriate government agencies, including the Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force where applicable.
MONARCHS URGED TO SUPPORT SECURITY AGENCIES
Ajulo further called on traditional rulers to strengthen their collaboration with government authorities and security agencies by providing reliable community intelligence.
He said closer cooperation between traditional institutions and statutory bodies would improve community security while ensuring that customary authority remains within the boundaries of the law.
The government’s position underscores the need for traditional institutions to balance their customary responsibilities with the requirements of Nigeria’s constitutional and legal framework.
AIV NEWS will continue to monitor developments affecting traditional institutions, community security and governance in Ondo State.
