The Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, on Wednesday urged legal practitioners to prioritise upholding rules of law and protect the people’s fundamental human rights over and above tradition.
Justice Dipeolu, represented by Justice Adetokunbo Jibodu made this call while speaking at the 5th memorial bar lecture organised by the Nigerian Bar Association, Sagamu Branch in honour of late Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Kehinde Sofola who died in 2007.
The Chief Judge who chaired the occasion said that the theme of the annual lecture “Obas And Chiefs Law Of Ogun State: Chieftaincy Disputes, Their Effects On The Community And Legal Protection of Religious Freedom” could not have come at a better time as it helps to address the core issues of social cohesiveness, cultural identity and fundamental rights of the people of the state.
He said that the theme of the annual lecture also bring to bear the the intricate intersection of law, tradition, community stability and individual liberty.
Dipeolu stated that the 2021 Obas and Chiefs Laws of the state as amended establishes the legal framework for the recognition, appointment, grading, regulation and deposition of traditional rulers in the state.
He added that the objectives of these laws are commendable as they help to preserve culture and tradition, promote order and legitimacy by establishing explicit protocols for ascending to traditional stools assuring legitimacy and avoiding turmoil among others.
Dipeolu stated that despite the legislative framework, chieftaincy disputes remain significant challenge in the state as in many parts of Nigeria, while the issue of fundamental rights to religious freedom with regard to the traditional institution also remain a struggle.
He stated, “Traditional rulership continues to be an important part of Ogun State’s sociocultural and governmental landscape.
“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.
“Chieftaincy issues that go unsolved eat away at the fabric of our communities, impeding progress and encouraging divisiveness. 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.”
In addressing the challenge at hand, Dipeolu urged the legal practitioners to be inspired by the life of late Sofola who exemplified legal expertise, unshakeable principles, and a strong dedication to justice for all.
She stated that “Let us honour his (Sofola’s) memory by committing to the ineticulous application of the law, the pursuit of peaceful and just resolutions to chieftaincy issues, and the strong safeguarding of the fundamental freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution.
“Let us strive for an Ogun State in which our cherished traditional institutions thrive alongside all people’ rights and various beliefs, promoting peace, unity, and long-term development.”
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