Ondo Govt Warns Traditional Rulers Against Running Palaces as Detention Centres and Courts

The Ondo State Government has issued a stern warning to traditional rulers against converting their palaces into unlawful detention facilities or parallel courtrooms, reminding them to exercise authority strictly within constitutional limits.

The Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo, issued the directive in Akure during a three-day workshop organized for traditional rulers by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Addressing participants at the workshop—themed *”Repositioning the Traditional Institution for Harmonious Communal Relationship, Security, Cultural Preservation and Sustainable Development”*—Ajulo reminded monarchs that they operate within a constitutional democracy where customary roles are separate from powers assigned to courts, the police, and other statutory bodies.

Ajulo clarified that while the Constitution recognizes traditional institutions as vital partners in local governance, community mobilization, and peacebuilding, it does not establish them as an independent branch of government or an alternative judicial system.

He cautioned monarchs against arbitrarily detaining individuals accused of crimes, debts, community infractions, or personal disputes. He emphasized that criminal allegations must be directed to authorized law enforcement agencies rather than handled through palace detentions or self-conducted investigations.

Furthermore, the Attorney General advised traditional rulers to refrain from using customary authority for self-help in property disputes, particularly those involving land grabbing or illegal occupation, urging them to refer such cases to statutory bodies like the Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force.

Ajulo encouraged monarchs to focus on voluntary mediation and customary arbitration where appropriate, while supporting the state’s security framework by providing reliable intelligence to relevant authorities.