Ondo warns monarchs against palace courts

The Nigeria — Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, warned traditional rulers in the state against converting their palaces into makeshift courts or detention facilities. Speaking at a three-day capacity-building workshop organized by the Nigeria — Kano State Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Akure, Ajulo emphasized that traditional institutions operate within a constitutional democracy and are not a 'fourth arm of government.' He urged monarchs to focus on their roles as custodians of culture, peace-builders, and mediators, and to refer criminal matters to legally empowered institutions. Ajulo also cautioned against using customary authority for self-help in land disputes, advising referral to the Nigeria — Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force. He encouraged traditional rulers to provide credible intelligence to security agencies to strengthen community security.