A high-level Stakeholders’ Meeting was held on Wednesday at the Protea Hotel, Alausa, Ikeja, bringing together key players from government and traditional institutions to review the Obas and Chiefs Law of Lagos State.
The meeting took place at Protea Hotel, Alausa, Ikeja.
Delivering the keynote address, the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, described the review as a deliberate step by the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu to create a more dynamic, culturally relevant legal framework for traditional institutions.
“As Lagos State navigates the complexities of modern governance, our traditional rulers remain vital pillars of cultural continuity and community cohesion,” Mr. Pedro said.
He noted that traditional institutions have experienced a decline in respect and influence, stressing that the review aims to restore the dignity of the royal institution by addressing legal ambiguities, gaps, and instances of misconduct that threaten its relevance.
Pedro outlined key areas of the proposed amendments, which include strengthening the roles of traditional rulers in maintaining peace and order, facilitating government-community dialogue, fostering grassroots development, and promoting conflict resolution through mediation.
Earlier, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, commended the strong turnout and diversity of participants, which he said reflected the high value placed on Lagos State’s Chieftaincy Institutions.
He described the meeting as a timely platform for constructive dialogue, calling for alignment of the law — last updated decades ago — with today’s realities and constitutional principles, while preserving the dignity and legacy of traditional rulers.
“We have an opportunity here to shape a more inclusive, fair, and forward-looking legal framework for chieftaincy matters in the state,” Oyenuga stated.
His Royal Majesty, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, also lauded the State Government for initiating the review.
He emphasised the need to restore public trust in the traditional institution through legal protections that support accountability and cultural preservation.
“As custodians of culture and morality, our responsibilities must be matched with a legal structure that safeguards our roles and strengthens our heritage. I commend Governor Sanwo-Olu’s leadership for this important initiative,” Oba Shotobi said.
The forum provided a platform for traditional rulers and stakeholders to share feedback on contentious issues, including the unchecked proliferation of chieftaincy titles, prolonged legal disputes, and the emergence of titles without historical or cultural roots.
The meeting concluded with a collective call for ongoing collaboration as the review process advances toward legislative action by the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Among the distinguished attendees were Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Kayode Robert; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa; Permanent Secretary, Citizens Mediation Centre, Mrs. Derinsola Olanrewaju; Chairman, Standing Tribunal of Inquiry into Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Justice O.A. Dabiri; Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, Petitions, Human Rights and LASIEC, Hon. Oladipo Ajomale; as well as traditional rulers, white cap chiefs, local government chieftaincy officers, directors, and legal experts.
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