Lagos to review Oba, Chiefs law

The Lagos State Ministry of Justice has begun a stakeholders’ meeting on the review of the Obas and Chiefs of Lagos State Law, 2015.

The meeting, organised by the Ministry’s Directorate of Legislative Drafting, is seeking to update the law to make it responsive to current realities.

Emphasising the need for the review, the Director, Chieftaincy, Lagos State Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, Mr Folami Lukman revealed that there were no fewer than 93 monarchs – 65 of whom are first class obas – and 10 empty stools in Lagos State.

He said: “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.”

Director, Legislative Drafting of the ministry of Justice, Mrs Aderinsola Olarenwaju, explained that the ministry identified gaps in the law and set up a committee, which came up with a draft containing proposals that were presented at the meeting.

The interactive session considered amending several sections of the Law, including Section 12, which provides that amendment or replacement of registered declaration is permissible only once.