The Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, on Wednesday called on legal practitioners to place the protection of fundamental human rights above traditional customs and practices. Speaking at the 5th memorial bar lecture organized by the Nigerian Bar Association, Sagamu Branch, in honor of the late Chief Kehinde Sofola, former Attorney General and Minister of Justice who passed away in 2007, Justice Dipeolu emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law.
Represented by Justice Adetokunbo Jibodu, the Chief Judge highlighted the relevance of the lecture’s theme, “Obas And Chiefs Law Of Ogun State: Chieftaincy Disputes, Their Effects On The Community And Legal Protection of Religious Freedom,” noting it addresses critical issues of social cohesion, cultural identity, and fundamental rights in the state.
She explained that the 2021 amended Obas and Chiefs Law provides the legal framework for recognizing and regulating traditional rulers, aiming to preserve culture while promoting order and legitimacy in succession processes. However, she acknowledged that chieftaincy disputes remain a significant challenge, as does the protection of religious freedom within traditional institutions.
“Traditional rulership continues to be an important part of Ogun State’s sociocultural and governmental landscape,” Justice Dipeolu said. “Though the Obas and Chiefs Law provides a necessary structure, successful conflict resolution which is fitting with modern realities, particularly the fundamental right to religious freedom, remains a struggle.”
She warned that unresolved chieftaincy conflicts undermine community unity and progress, stating, “Protecting religious freedom in this context is not an attack on tradition; rather, it affirms the constitutional order that supports our democracy, as well as the fundamental dignity of each person.”
The Chief Judge urged lawyers to draw inspiration from the late Chief Kehinde Sofola’s dedication to justice and legal excellence, encouraging them to apply the law meticulously and pursue peaceful resolutions in chieftaincy matters while safeguarding constitutional freedoms.
“Let us strive for an Ogun State in which our cherished traditional institutions thrive alongside all people’s rights and various beliefs, promoting peace, unity, and long-term development,” she concluded.
The event also featured remarks from the Chairman of NBA Sagamu Branch, David Efuwape, who said the lecture’s theme was chosen to broaden understanding of the Obas and Chiefs Law and could inform its future review. Justice Phillips Akinside, delivering the keynote, discussed controversies surrounding the elevation of minor chiefs to coronet Obas and emphasized adherence to customs in religious freedom matters for traditional rulers.
Justice Akinside stated, “If selection/nomination, appointment and approval of appointment of a candidate to a chieftaincy is done in accordance with the customs and traditions of his people, it stands to reason that his installation and burial rites should also be in accordance with such customs and traditions.”
He further noted that under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, individuals have the right to practice any religion, but once they embrace traditional rulership customs, they cannot alter those traditions arbitrarily.
The lecture was also graced by goodwill messages from prominent traditional rulers including Oba Babatunde Ajayi, the Akarigbo of Remo land, and former Ogun State Assembly Speaker Kunle Oluomo.
Okay.ng reports that the Chief Judge described the late Chief Kehinde Sofola as a jurist par excellence whose life exemplified integrity and dedication to the rule of law, urging the legal profession to continue drawing inspiration from his legacy.
