Ondo AG Warns Monarchs Against Turning Palaces Into Courts, Detention Centres

The Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, has warned traditional rulers against turning their palaces into courts or detention centres.

Ajulo gave the warning during a three-day workshop for traditional rulers organised by the Ondo State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Akure.

The workshop, themed “Repositioning the Traditional Institution for Harmonious Communal Relationship, Security, Cultural Preservation and Sustainable Development,” focused on strengthening the role of traditional institutions in peacebuilding, security, cultural preservation and community development.

Ajulo said traditional rulers must operate within the law and should not investigate, detain or punish people accused of crimes or involved in disputes. He urged monarchs to embrace mediation and customary arbitration where appropriate, while referring criminal matters to recognised law-enforcement and judicial authorities.

He also cautioned against using traditional authority to intimidate people, engage in land-related self-help or forcibly take over disputed property.

The commissioner stressed that the warning was not intended to diminish the authority of traditional rulers, but to ensure that their cultural and moral influence is exercised within the constitutional and legal framework.