The Ogun State Traditional Rulers (Installation and Burial Rites) Bill 2020, seeking respect for human dignity and promotion of modernity in the installation and burial of traditional rulers, yesterday scaled second reading at the State House of Assembly.
The proposed legal framework, if finally passed into law, is expected to curb idolatry practices in the process of installing and burying traditional rulers.
The bill will equally give room for any monarch in the state to be installed or buried in accordance with his or her religion or belief.
The Chairman, House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Akeem Balogun, yesterday moved the motion for the second reading of the bill during plenary, and was seconded by Yusuf Amosun.
Leading the debate, Balogun noted that it was important to review the Traditional Rulers law in tandem with modern-day reality
He submitted that traditional rulers should be installed and buried according to their religious beliefs, striking out the idea of cannibalism and mutilation of kings.
The lawmaker stated that the review of the law would make the traditional stool attractive to people of high pedigree who could contribute to the development of their subjects.
Hon Oludaisi Elemide supported the bill but quickly added that the law should ensure that the cultural heritage of the Yoruba was not erased.
Other members, including Kemi Oduwole, Atinuke Bello and Abayomi Fasuwa, cited Sections 34(1) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) as the basis for upholding human dignity.
They posited that it was time the traditional stool was made more attractive to positive-minded citizenry of high pedigree, whose wealth of expertise could improve and bring development to their communities.
In his submission, the Speaker, Olakunle Oluomo, stated that no person, especially traditional rulers, should be subjected to any form of inhuman and degrading acts, which, according to him, was against development.
Oluomo, therefore, referred the bill to the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for further legislative processes.
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