Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has signed into law the amendment of the state’s Chiefs Law, Cap. 28. The amended law is sought to grant the governor autonomy to present beaded crowns and coronets to chiefs in the state. This new development became necessary as a result of the previous administration’s failed attempt to reform the traditional council system. The new law will improve the traditional council function and forestall constant litigation.
The state House of Assembly passed the bill on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, to amend the Chiefs Law, Cap. 28, Laws of the Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000. This amendment bill follows the presentation of the House Committee on Local Government and State Honours report.
During the public hearing on the proposed amendment held on May 12, 2023, opinions of stakeholders, including traditional rulers, were taken into consideration in the bill’s amending process.
While signing the amendment bill into law at the Executive Council Chamber in Ibadan, Governor Makinde commended the lawmakers for the timely passage of the bill. This, he said, is a step in the right direction because it will help the traditional council function effectively.
Earlier, the Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mohammed Fadeyi, presented the amended bill to Governor Makinde. Fadeyi stated that the new law would positively impact the state.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, represented by the Balogun, Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Owolabi Olakulehin, led the Olubadan-in-Council and other traditional rulers to the bill signing ceremony.
By signing this amendment bill into law, Governor Seyi Makinde has demonstrated his commitment to improving the traditional council system and making sure the council functions effectively in Oyo State.
