Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, the Chief Judge of Ogun State, has called on lawyers to uphold the rule of law and prioritize fundamental human rights over traditional customs. Speaking at the Nigerian Bar Association Sagamu Branch’s 5th memorial bar lecture in honor of the late Chief Kehinde Sofola, she underscored the importance of addressing chieftaincy disputes and religious freedom within the framework of the law.
The lecture’s theme, “Obas And Chiefs Law Of Ogun State: Chieftaincy Disputes, Their Effects On The Community And Legal Protection of Religious Freedom,” was described by Justice Dipeolu as highly relevant to social cohesion and cultural identity in Ogun State.
She explained that the 2021 Obas and Chiefs Law, as amended, provides a legal structure for the recognition and regulation of traditional rulers, aiming to preserve culture and prevent succession conflicts. However, she acknowledged that chieftaincy disputes and challenges to religious freedom persist.
“Traditional rulership continues to be an important part of Ogun State’s sociocultural and governmental landscape,” she said, adding that while the law provides structure, resolving conflicts in a manner consistent with modern legal standards and religious freedoms remains a challenge.
Justice Dipeolu stressed that unresolved chieftaincy disputes weaken communities and hinder development, emphasizing that protecting religious freedom is consistent with constitutional democracy and individual dignity.
She urged legal practitioners to honor the legacy of the late Chief Kehinde Sofola by committing to the meticulous application of the law and peaceful resolution of chieftaincy issues, while safeguarding fundamental freedoms.
The NBA Sagamu Branch Chairman, David Efuwape, welcomed participants and noted the lecture’s theme was chosen to broaden understanding of the Obas and Chiefs Law and could inform its review.
Justice Phillips Akinside, delivering the keynote address, discussed controversies regarding the elevation of minor chiefs to coronet Obas and clarified that coronet Obas lack authority to install chiefs.
On religious freedom, Justice Akinside emphasized that installation and burial rites should follow traditional customs if the appointment was made according to those customs. He added that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees religious freedom, but once a traditional ruler accepts customs, they cannot change them arbitrarily.
The event also featured goodwill messages from prominent traditional rulers and political figures.