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The controversial bill on the installation and burial rites of traditional rulers in the state which have received various criticism have finally been signed to law yesterday by the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.
The bill sponsored almost 2 years ago by Hon Akeem Balogun, the present Deputy Speaker representing Ogun Waterside, had received negative evaluation from traditionalists and some citizens.
The bill sought to make “a law to provide for the Preservation, Protection and Exercise by Traditional Rulers of their fundamental rights to be installed and buried according to their religions or beliefs and for other related matters.”
Many observers have lamented that the law is an attempt to erode the culture of the Yorubas and the traditional stool.
It was also observed that the bill which was initiated by the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, was an enrollment of culture and tradition of the Yoruba race and for their selfish purposes.
Ogundeji Ajayi, a retired teacher said, “the fear of most traditional father’s on the bill is because of the rituals involved in the installation and burial, which they are aware of before coming to the throne. It is dishonesty for anyone to change the goal posts at the middle of the game. It’s unfortunate.”
Mr Adekunle Aliu,a business man also said,”It is not supposed to be so. We should respect our tradition. Whoever that wish to pursue or promote his faith should stay clear from being a traditional ruler. It is very simple.”
Madam Abosede Tijani said,”it is a welcome development. We need to move along with the trend of time. Civilisation has gotten rid of those barbaric practice, and we need a legal framework to achieve this. Kudos to this administration in Ogun State.”
Chief Tajudeen Ogundeyi, a traditionalist said,”it is a means to redicule the traditional process of Obaship. Sentiment apart, which of the western religion is present at Ipebi during the installation? If their faith didn’t install them as Kabiesi, the faith should not be introduced during burial rights.”