The Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding lawful cultural practices related to the burial rites of traditional rulers in the state.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the government emphasized that while traditional rulers are expected to observe cultural customs, such practices must conform with the existing laws of the state.
The statement was issued in response to comments made by Justice P. O. Akinside of the Customary Court of Appeal, Ogun State, during a recent lecture. Justice Akinside was quoted as stating that monarchs are bound to submit to the burial rites dictated by their traditional institutions.
However, the state government clarified that the remarks represented the personal opinion of the judge and should not be interpreted as a judicial ruling, as misrepresented by some media outlets and members of the public.
The government reiterated the importance of balancing cultural traditions with legal obligations. “Monarchs are indeed custodians of tradition,” the statement read. “However, such traditions must operate within the confines of the law.”
The government cited Section 55 of the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State, 2021, as the legal basis for regulating burial rites of traditional rulers. While subsection (ii) of the law acknowledges the right of a traditional ruler to be buried in accordance with customary practices, subsections (iii) to (v) provide procedural safeguards to ensure that those customs are applied within the bounds of legality.
The statement further stressed the government’s respect for cultural heritage and the role of traditional rulers, while also upholding its duty to protect the rights of all citizens under the law.
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