Panic has gripped traditional rulers in Lagos State following moves by the state government to review the law that guides their existence and operations, FirstNews Online has learnt.
Towards this end, Lagos State Ministry of Justice has begun a stakeholders’ meeting on the Review of the Obas and Chiefs of Lagos State Law, 2015.
According to a source, the meeting being organised by the Ministry’s Directorate of Legislative Drafting, would adjust the Chiefs’ law in line with the realities of the current world and system.
Director, Legislative Drafting, Mrs Aderinsola Olarenwaju, said, while commenting on the review, “The present legislation is a good law; it’s been in existence since 1957, but there is a need to change things not in tandem with present realities.”
Olanrewaju also maintained that the ministry had identified various flops in the law and set up a committee, which came up with a draft containing proposals that were presented at the meeting.
She added that a bigger session of the review would be held with the Obas and other stakeholders in attendance.
Director, Chieftaincy, Lagos State Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, Mr Folami Lukman, praised the Ministry, “especially the Directorate of Legislative Drafting” for organising the event.
Emphasising the need for the review, he revealed that there were no fewer than 93 monarchs – 65 of whom are first class Obas – and 10 vacant stools in Lagos State.
“The law really needs to be upgraded. They should help us fast-track this review. Everybody wants to become Oba, chief. Even those with red blood, that are not bluebloods, they want to become obas. Let us do something and help our laws and help save the state. The state’s size is not increasing. As of today, we have 93 obas on ground; about 10 stools that need to be occupied,” he said.