The Lagos State Government has initiated a comprehensive review of the Obas and Chiefs Law of 2015, aiming to modernise the legal framework guiding traditional leadership in the state.
EpeInsights reports that the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, announced the reform at a stakeholder engagement session held in Alausa, Ikeja.
He emphasised that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration is committed to preserving cultural heritage while aligning traditional institutions with contemporary governance practices.
“Our royal fathers remain vital to community leadership and conflict resolution. But we must address challenges like land grabbing, bogus chieftaincy titles, and legal disputes over succession,” Mr Pedro noted.
Key proposals include:
- Recognising traditional rulers as partners in peacebuilding, conflict mediation, and grassroots governance.
- Restoring integrity to the conferral of chieftaincy titles.
- Legally empowering palace-based dispute resolutions.
Traditional rulers from across Lagos offered input, calling for legal clarity on the structure of traditional councils and actions against impostor monarchs.
Oba Kabiru Shotobi of Ikorodu urged the government to uphold the current leadership framework and ensure grassroots chiefs are consulted in reforms.
The forum concluded with a consensus: traditional rulers will review the draft law and provide coordinated feedback within one month.
As Lagos charts a path toward strengthening its cultural institutions through inclusive reform, this initiative could serve as a model for balancing tradition and modern governance.
