Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo, has formally advised traditional leaders against transforming their palaces into unofficial courtrooms or holding areas. This warning was issued during a capacity-building event in Akure centered on enhancing the roles of monarchs in local governance and security.
Ajulo clarified that while traditional institutions serve as vital symbols of culture and peace-building, they do not function as a parallel legal system. He emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution does not grant monarchs the power to adjudicate criminal matters or imprison citizens. Instead, their influence should be directed toward mediating civil disputes, preserving customs, and fostering community development.
The Attorney General explicitly stated that cases involving theft, debt, or other alleged crimes must be transferred to the police and the formal judiciary. He cautioned that attempting to bypass these institutions to administer self-help—particularly in matters of land disputes—undermines the rule of law. Monarchs were instead encouraged to serve as partners in justice by providing intelligence to security agencies, ensuring that traditional authority remains a bridge for cooperation rather than a replacement for state governance.
