Ondo State: AG Warns Traditional Rulers on Illegal Courts, Detention

• The Ondo State Government has warned traditional rulers against operating parallel courts or using palaces as detention centers.
• Attorney General Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, issued the directive, emphasizing that monarchs lack judicial and custodial powers.
• The warning also prohibited traditional rulers from engaging in land grabbing and "self-help" activities.
• Monarchs were advised to provide intelligence to official security agencies instead of acting as security forces themselves.
• This directive aims to uphold the integrity of the Ondo State justice system and reinforce the rule of law.

The Ondo State Government has issued a definitive warning to traditional rulers across the state, explicitly prohibiting them from establishing or operating unofficial judicial systems within their palaces.

The Ondo State Government has issued a definitive warning to traditional rulers across the state, explicitly prohibiting them from establishing or operating unofficial judicial systems within their palaces. This directive, articulated by Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, underscores a firm stance against any actions that usurp the authority of the state's established legal framework. Specifically, monarchs have been cautioned against transforming their traditional residences into detention facilities, a practice that directly contravenes the principles of due process and lawful custody.

Furthermore, the Attorney General's statement extended beyond judicial overreach, addressing other critical areas of concern. Traditional rulers were sternly advised to cease involvement in land grabbing activities, a pervasive issue that often leads to disputes and social unrest. The government also condemned the practice of "self-help" within palaces, which refers to individuals or groups taking justice into their own hands outside official channels. This comprehensive warning aims to reinforce the exclusive jurisdiction of the state's courts and law enforcement agencies in matters of justice and security.

Instead of acting as parallel security or judicial bodies, Dr. Ajulo clarified the appropriate role for traditional leaders. He emphasized that their function should primarily involve providing valuable intelligence to official security agencies. This collaborative approach ensures that while monarchs remain integral to community governance, their actions align with constitutional provisions and support, rather than undermine, the state's justice and security apparatus. The government's message is clear: traditional authority must operate within the confines of the law, respecting the integrity of the formal legal system.

The directive from the Ondo State Attorney General serves as a crucial reaffirmation of the exclusive judicial and custodial powers vested solely in the state's official courts and law enforcement bodies. In Nigeria, traditional rulers, despite their significant cultural and community influence, are not constitutionally empowered to preside over legal cases, issue judgments, or order detentions. The establishment of "parallel courts" or "detention centres" in palaces directly challenges this foundational principle, creating an unauthorized system of justice that operates outside established legal safeguards and oversight.

Such unauthorized judicial activities by Ondo monarchs pose a significant threat to the integrity of the state's justice system. When individuals are subjected to proceedings or detention outside the formal legal framework, they are deprived of fundamental rights, including the right to fair hearing, legal representation, and protection against arbitrary arrest. This erosion of due process can lead to miscarriages of justice, exacerbate community tensions, and undermine public confidence in the rule of law. The government's intervention is therefore a necessary step to protect citizens' rights and uphold the constitutional order.

The explicit warning against land grabbing by traditional rulers further highlights the government's commitment to maintaining order and preventing abuses of power. Land disputes are a common source of conflict, and when traditional authorities engage in or sanction illegal land acquisition, it not only violates property rights but also fuels distrust and instability. By unequivocally stating that monarchs should not engage in such practices or resort to "self-help," the government is drawing a clear line, ensuring that all disputes, including those related to land, are resolved through legitimate legal channels.

The Ondo State government's recent pronouncement is vital for preserving the sanctity of the rule of law within its jurisdiction. Allowing traditional rulers to operate independent judicial or custodial systems would inevitably lead to a fragmented and potentially arbitrary application of justice. This scenario could result in varying standards of legal recourse depending on geographical location or the specific monarch involved, thereby compromising the principle of equality before the law for all citizens. The Attorney General's statement thus reinforces the necessity of a unified, consistent, and legally compliant justice system for the entire state.

The implications of traditional rulers overstepping their designated roles extend beyond mere procedural irregularities; they touch upon fundamental human rights. Unlawful detention in palaces, for instance, bypasses all legal requirements for arrest, investigation, and trial, potentially exposing individuals to arbitrary punishment without recourse. Similarly, unofficial "courts" lack the legal authority to enforce their decisions, leading to a breakdown in legitimate order or, conversely, to the use of coercive, extra-legal means to compel compliance. This situation underscores why the government's clear demarcation of powers is not just administrative but also a matter of protecting individual liberties.

Ultimately, the warning issued by Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, serves as a critical reminder to all stakeholders, including the traditional institutions themselves, about the boundaries of their authority within a modern democratic state. By urging monarchs to focus on intelligence gathering rather than acting as security agencies, the government is promoting a collaborative model where traditional leadership supports, rather than competes with, official state functions. This approach is essential for fostering a stable society where justice is administered fairly, transparently, and in accordance with the laws of the land, thereby strengthening the overall integrity of the Ondo State justice system.

This directive clarifies that traditional rulers lack judicial and custodial powers, reinforcing the exclusive jurisdiction of state courts and law enforcement. Lawyers should advise clients against engaging with or submitting to parallel justice systems run by monarchs and be prepared to challenge any such actions as unlawful, ensuring due process is followed through official channels.

Source: Original reporting via Vanguard News.