Ondo Govt warns monarchs against running detention centres, courts

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— Stop land grabbing, self-help in palaces
— Provide intelligence, not act as security agencies

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By Dayo Johnson, Akure

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AKURE — The Ondo State Government has warned traditional rulers in the state against turning their palaces into detention centres or operating parallel courts.

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The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo, SAN, gave the warning at a three-day workshop for traditional rulers in Akure, with the theme, “Repositioning the Traditional Institution for Harmonious Communal Relationship, Security, Cultural Preservation and Sustainable Development.”

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Ajulo said no traditional ruler had the power to order the indefinite detention of anyone accused of stealing, insulting the palace, owing money, violating community rules or being involved in a dispute.

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He urged traditional rulers to focus on peacebuilding, intelligence gathering and cooperation with law enforcement agencies rather than investigating, detaining or punishing suspects.

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“An Oba does not lose dignity by listening to both sides of a dispute. Fair hearing must be observed in traditional administration,” he said.

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The Attorney General advised the monarchs to embrace mediation and customary arbitration, but stressed that such processes must be voluntary and should not replace judicial adjudication.

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On land matters, Ajulo cautioned against using customary authority to justify self-help, forceful entry, intimidation or illegal occupation.

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He urged traditional rulers to refer land-related cases to the appropriate statutory bodies, including the Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force.

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The commissioner reminded the monarchs that the Constitution does not recognise traditional rulers as a “fourth arm of government.”

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He said their roles included serving as custodians of culture, peacebuilders, mediators and community mobilisers.

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“Traditional rulers should see themselves as custodians of history and culture, not as alternative courts or government institutions,” Ajulo stated.

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On security, he urged the monarchs to provide credible intelligence to the government and security agencies on issues including kidnapping, cultism, communal clashes, illegal mining and farmer-herder conflicts.

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He, however, warned them against acting as alternative security agencies.

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Ajulo said traditional institutions could also contribute to development by attracting investment, resolving disputes, protecting investors, promoting agriculture, safeguarding natural resources and supporting youth entrepreneurship.

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He stressed that repositioning the traditional institution was not intended to diminish the authority of the palace, but to ensure that its moral and cultural influence was exercised within the law.

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