The Ogun State Government has warned that all burial rites for traditional rulers in the state must strictly comply with existing laws, stressing that cultural customs cannot override statutory provisions.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the government reaffirmed its commitment to promoting lawful cultural practices and ensuring strict observance of the rule of law concerning the burial of traditional rulers.
The clarification followed comments by Hon. Justice P.O. Akinside of the Customary Court of Appeal, Ogun State, during a recent lecture where he stated that traditional rulers must submit to the customs and burial rites of the institutions they voluntarily joined.
But the government clarified that the judge’s remarks were his personal opinion and not a legal pronouncement.
“For the avoidance of doubt, it is important to reiterate that the comments made by the Honourable Judge were made during a public lecture and do not amount to a judicial pronouncement made in a judgment, as some media platforms have erroneously reported,” the statement read.
The government emphasized that while traditional rulers are custodians of customs, such practices are not absolute and must conform to the laws of the state. It referenced Section 55 of the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State 2021, which provides clear guidelines for traditional burial rites.
The law guarantees the right of a traditional ruler to be buried according to customs and traditions but prohibits any form of mutilation, cannibalism, or harmful practices.
The statement added, “Sections 55 and 56 of the law expressly prohibit practices such as mutilation, cannibalism, human rituals, and obstruction of burial by the family. Section 56(ii) makes it a criminal offense to kill or use human parts during any burial rite or installation of an Oba or Chief in Ogun State.”
The government further warned traditional councils and the public against misrepresenting the law, stressing that all cultural practices must be lawful, registered, and transparent.
It concluded by reiterating its dedication to protecting cultural values while upholding the supremacy of the law.
