The Ogun Assembly on Wednesday held an interactive session with relevant 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.Mr Olakunle Oluomo, the Speaker, who presided over the session in Abeokuta , noted that the session was meant to parley the monarchs in order to put in place an all- encompassing legislation towards resolving issues creating avoidable legal tussle in the institution.Oluomo said the initiative was preparatory to setting the pace for the process of putting in place a new law aimed at repeling the existing legislation for a more comprehensive law that would help reform the traditional institution in the state.The speaker said there was need to review the state chieftaincy law with a view to addressing 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,” he said.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.He noted that it was important for the traditional rulers to be apolitical being the custodians of the rich culture and tradition of the people.Oluomo said the assembly would set the pace for improved standard to give a well defined role to traditional rulers especially on how to strenghten 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.He added that 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 of Ijebuland, who is also the Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Yinusa Adekoya, described the assembly’s move as a right step deserving commendation.He said that the proposed legislation would address the shortcomings being experienced in the existing law, which he described as being too cumbersome.
