The Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, has reminded traditional rulers across the state to operate within the limits of the law, warning against the use of palaces as detention facilities or platforms for dispensing criminal justice.
Ajulo gave the warning on Thursday while addressing traditional rulers at a three-day workshop organised by the Ondo State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Akure.
The workshop, themed “Repositioning the Traditional Institution for Harmonious Communal Relationship, Security, Cultural Preservation and Sustainable Development,” brought together monarchs from across the state to discuss their roles in promoting peace, security and development.
Speaking at the event, the Attorney General stressed that traditional rulers function within a constitutional democracy and must clearly understand the boundaries between customary authority and powers legally vested in institutions such as the courts, the police and other government agencies.
He noted that while the Constitution recognises the importance of traditional institutions in governance and community development, it does not establish them as a separate arm of government.
According to Ajulo, traditional rulers should focus on their roles as custodians of culture and history, community mobilisers, mediators and promoters of peace and unity.
He said, “The Constitution did not establish the office of traditional rulers as a fourth arm of government, but recognised the role traditional institutions could play in local governance and community development.”
Ajulo further stated that traditional institutions should not be viewed as substitutes for legally recognised government structures.
“The traditional institution is not an alternative court or government institution,” he said.
Warning against arbitrary detention and unlawful punishment, the commissioner maintained that criminal allegations must be handled by agencies empowered by law to investigate and prosecute offenders.
“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 urged monarchs to concentrate on maintaining peace in their communities, gathering intelligence and cooperating with security agencies rather than taking over responsibilities reserved for law enforcement authorities.
Ajulo also highlighted the importance of fair hearing in traditional dispute resolution, noting that listening to all parties involved in a conflict strengthens the integrity of the traditional institution.
He encouraged traditional rulers to continue using mediation and customary arbitration to resolve disputes, provided such processes remain voluntary and are not confused with judicial proceedings.
The Attorney General also cautioned traditional rulers against taking the law into their own hands in land-related matters, particularly cases involving forceful entry, intimidation, illegal occupation and alleged land grabbing.
He advised monarchs to refer such disputes to the appropriate authorities, including the state’s Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force, where necessary.
Ajulo further called on traditional rulers to deepen their contributions to security efforts by providing credible intelligence from their communities to government and security agencies, describing them as critical stakeholders in maintaining peace and order across the state.