In a bid to enhance the effectiveness of traditional rulers in Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde has emphasized that due process was meticulously followed during the review of the state’s chieftaincy law. The governor expressed his satisfaction as he assented to the amended bill at the Executive Council Chamber in Agodi, Ibadan on Friday. He commended the state House of Assembly for its prompt passage of the bill, stating that the revision would promote seamless functionality within the traditional council and curtail frequent litigation.
Governor Makinde acknowledged previous administrations’ attempts to amend the state’s chieftaincy law, which sparked numerous controversies. However, he stressed that his government prioritized due process to safeguard the interests of all stakeholders. Speaking about the implications of the revised law, the governor highlighted the need for a well-structured legal framework to facilitate the smooth operation of the traditional council. He specifically mentioned the previous administration’s endeavor to reform the traditional council system, particularly in Ibadanland, which resulted in the conferment of coronets upon some High Chiefs.
Regrettably, one of the High Chiefs took legal action, and the Oyo State Court ruled that the previous administration did not adhere to its own law. Governor Makinde emphasized that with the recent amendment, his administration would strictly adhere to the law, preventing anyone from successfully challenging its provisions in court.
During the bill presentation, Deputy Speaker Mohammed Fadeyi informed the governor that the assembly had thoroughly considered the inputs of stakeholders before passing the amended Chiefs Law, Cap 28. Mr. Fadeyi expressed optimism that the revised law would greatly benefit the people of the state.
Last week, the Oyo State House of Assembly successfully passed the Chiefs Law, Cap 28, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000. Through this passage, the state legislature effectively substituted sub-section (1) of section 28 with a new clause. The original provision of Sub-section (1) which read: “The Governor may cause such inquiries to be held at such times and in such places and by such person or persons as it or he may consider necessary or desirable” has now been replaced with “The Governor may cause such inquiries to be held at such times and in such places and by such person or persons as he may consider necessary or desirable.”
Consequently, the former Clause (3) has been renumbered as Clause (4), while the new Sub-section (3) now states, “Any person who, pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, is elevated to wear a beaded crown from Baales to Minor Chiefs who, being a customary tenant, shall continue to pay obeisance to his prescribed or consenting authority.”
Recall that on Friday, May 12, 2023, the assembly conducted a public hearing on the proposed amendment, which gathered the opinions of all stakeholders. Governor Makinde had previously highlighted the need for the amendment in a letter, citing the present administration’s efforts to define the chieftaincy holders entitled to wear beaded crowns in Oyo State. The governor’s decision was prompted by the concerns and litigations surrounding beaded crowns and the consequent resentment within communities across the state.
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