Law to modify installation, burial of Traditional rulers underway in Ogun State
The idolation in the installation and burial of traditional rulers may be heading to an end in Ogun State, as a bill against it on Tuesday passed second reading at the State House of Assembly, a bill which seeks respect for human dignity and promotion of modernity in the above processes.
Penpushing reports that, bill if finally passed and approved will equally set to curb idolatry practices in the process of installation and burial of traditional rulers, thereby giving room for any deceased monarch in the State to be installed or buried in accordance with his or her religion or belief.
The lawmakers spoke in unison while contributing to the second reading of the Ogun State Traditional Rulers (Installation and Burial Rites), Law 2020 during a plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo .
Penpushing further reports that, this came shortly after the motion for its second reading was moved by Hon. Akeem Balogun, seconded by Yusuf Amosun and unanimously supported by the entire House through a voice vote.
The sponsor of the bill, Hon. Balogun opened debate on the bill titled, “HB No 36/OG/2020- A Bill for a law to provide for the Preservation, Protection and Exercise by the traditional rulers of their fundamental Rights to be installed and buried according to their Religions or Beliefs and for other related matters”,
Penpushing also reports that, Balogun said the bill became imperative as there was need to avoid archaic practices and embrace modern realities with a view to respecting the religious obligations of the traditional rulers during their installation and burial.
In their separate remarks, Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, Solomon Osho and Damilola Soneye who threw their weight behind the bill, said its passage would further redefine the State’s traditional system by putting a stop to act of cannibalism- a culture inherited from the dark ages.
Penpushing reports that, other members including Kemi Oduwole , Atinuke Bello and Abayomi Fasuwa also cited Sections 34(1) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) as the basis for upholding human dignity.
The lawmakers posited that it was high time the traditional stools were made more attractive to positive minded citizenry of high pedigree, whose wealth of expertise could improve and bring development to their communities,
The Speaker in his response stated that no person, especially traditional ruler should be subjected to any form of inhuman and degrading acts, which according to him were against development; he thereafter referred the bill to Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for further legislative actions.
