Legal luminary, Niyi Akintola, has defended the Ibadan chieftaincy system, attributing recurring public controversies to widespread ignorance about the relationship between law, culture, and traditional institutions in Nigeria.
Speaking on Sabenko, a programme on Eagle FM, Akintola said many national debates are driven by poor understanding of legal principles and cultural structures.
Ignorance Behind Public Controversies
According to him, misinformation and lack of knowledge continue to distort public discourse.
“One of the major problems confronting the country is ignorance. Many people speak on issues they do not fully understand,” he said.
He stressed that law and culture are not in conflict but are mutually reinforcing.
“Law does not disturb culture; it strengthens it. Any law that does not align with the culture of the people cannot survive,” he added.
Explaining Ibadan Traditional Structure
Akintola addressed misconceptions surrounding the Ibadan traditional system, particularly the structure of the Olubadan-in-Council.
He explained that the system is hierarchical, comprising the Olubadan, the Iyalode, and 11 high chiefs operating under the Mogaji framework.
According to him, once a chief becomes part of the council, they assume a public role with formal recognition by the state.
Historical Context and Evolution
Providing historical insight, Akintola noted that large parts of present-day southwestern Nigeria were once under Ibadan administrative influence before state creation.
He referenced reforms initiated during the era of Obafemi Awolowo, which restructured regional divisions and shaped modern state boundaries.
He also cited past legal disputes involving chieftaincy positions, explaining that migration into Ibadan for titles contributed to earlier structural complexities.
Akintola highlighted reforms to the chieftaincy system, including amendments under former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, which were later implemented by Seyi Makinde.
He clarified that under the law, the governor’s role in appointing traditional rulers is based on recommendations from the Olubadan.
“It is not a unilateral decision. The process begins with the Olubadan’s recommendation before the governor gives approval,” he explained.
Addressing Misconceptions and Rumours
On controversies surrounding recent appointments, Akintola dismissed claims of irregularities, attributing them to misinformation.
He compared the process to civil service promotions, noting that structured procedures are often misunderstood by the public.
“People spread rumours because they do not read or understand the process,” he said.
Akintola noted that questions about whether traditional title holders can engage in politics remain within the jurisdiction of the courts.
He pointed out that, historically, individuals have resigned from professional or public roles before ascending traditional stools.
A Structured and Stable System
Describing the Ibadan system as organised and functional, Akintola likened it to hierarchical monarchies elsewhere.
“Just as there are dukes under the King of England, the Ibadan system is structured with defined roles,” he said.
He dismissed suggestions of conflict between the state government and the Olubadan, insisting that existing processes are being followed in line with the law.
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