In a significant move to promote indigenous justice systems, legal scholars and traditional rulers have called for a renewed focus on Customary Law within Nigeria’s legal framework.
EpeInsights reports that the call was made during a one-day training on Customary Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), organized by the Institute of Alternative Dispute Resolution Development and Conflict Management of Nigeria (I-ADR Nigeria), in partnership with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Epe Branch.
Held at the Epe Local Government Secretariat as part of the 2025 NBA Epe Law Week, the training brought together legal professionals, royal dignitaries and stakeholders committed to enhancing justice delivery through culturally relevant mechanisms.
Professor Akinola Ibidapo-Obe, a leading advocate of legal pluralism, delivered a keynote urging academic and legal institutions to reintegrate Customary Law into mainstream legal education.
He argued that many indigenous principles particularly those on environmental stewardship predate modern legislation and are well-documented in traditional texts such as the Ifa corpus.
“Environmental justice, conflict resolution, and community-based equity are embedded in our traditions. Customary Law is not primitive; it’s foundational. The West is now realizing the value of our indigenous systems, even as we neglect them,” said Prof. Ibidapo-Obe.
He also cited findings from a research project conducted in collaboration with the British Embassy, which highlighted the strength of traditional dispute resolution in preserving social relationships and fostering communal harmony.
NBA Epe Branch Chairman, Dr. S.O. Jimoh, underscored the need to bridge statutory and customary legal systems.
“Customary Law offers reconciliatory justice, unlike common law, which often deepens division by producing winners and losers. This training aims to empower both legal professionals and community leaders to uphold indigenous values in justice delivery,” he noted.
Supporting the advocacy, Hon. Justice Wasiu Animahun and other legal facilitators emphasized the importance of restorative practices in reducing litigation and promoting lasting peace, particularly at the grassroots level.
Traditional rulers in attendance including the Aladeshonyin of Odo-Noforija, Oba (Dr.) Babatunde Ogunlaja; the Alade-Uraka of Poka, Oba Ayodele Kolawole; and the Aladepekun of Odo-Egiri, Oba Musiliu Abiola Oliwo—lauded the initiative as timely and essential.
They called for increased support in terms of training, digital infrastructure, and policy recognition to enhance the role of customary courts.
“I-ADR remains the only national body advocating for the integration of traditional justice systems into our broader legal structure,” Prof. Ibidapo-Obe added.
The event served as a platform for collaborative dialogue and reinforced the importance of culturally sensitive legal systems in ensuring accessible, effective, and equitable justice across Nigeria.
