By Idris Olukoya
Epe (Lagos State), July 28, 2025 (NAN) Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Epe Branch, has called on the judiciary to give due recognition to traditional systems of dispute resolution, noting that while courts deliver judgments, traditional rulers dispense justice that promotes reconciliation.
Dr Jimoh Saliu, Chairman of the NBA, Epe Branch, made this known at the ongoing Law Week held at the Epe Local Government Secretariat on Monday.
He said that the event was held in honour of legal icon, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, with theme: “Traditional Alternative Dispute Resolution.”
According to Saliu, there is a clear distinction between judgment and justice.
“In the court, one party must win and the other lose. But under traditional law, justice is served in such a way that both parties are reconciled and can embrace one another afterwards,” he said.
He lamented that the practice of traditional law has faded into near extinction and urged legal practitioners to work towards its revival.
“Our traditional arbitration methods, once respected and effective, must be documented and standardized for courts to acknowledge them as valid resolutions,” he added.
He said that in the past, communities relied on the wisdom of traditional rulers to resolve disputes amicably.
“These rulings were respected and adhered to without any enforcement mechanism.
“Sadly, today, the influence of such practices has significantly waned,” he said.
Saliu emphasized that Nigerian citizens should not continue to rely solely on imported legal frameworks.
“We must learn to value and respect our own laws and heritage. Our justice system should reflect our identity and culture,” he said.
Earlier, Oba (Dr) Babatunde Ogunlaja, the Aladeshonyin of Odo-Noforija, commended the NBA for their continued professionalism and efforts to bridge the gap between statutory and customary laws.
He reiterated the importance of recognizing the role of traditional rulers in conflict resolution.
“In the olden days, community disputes were settled within the palace without the need for litigation.
“Such rulings brought lasting peace and fostered communal unity,” he said.
Ogunlaja called on the judiciary, particularly high courts and appellate courts, to respect the outcomes of traditional arbitration, especially in community and family-related matters.
He also urged families and communities to desist from inviting land grabbers in a bid to settle land disputes, noting that such actions only escalate conflicts.
He stressed that the Lagos State Government had outlawed land grabbing and offenders would be prosecuted accordingly.
“Anyone found indulging in land grabbing activities will face the full wrath of the law.
“Our communities must learn to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence or external influence,” he said.
He further advocated for a more robust partnership between traditional institutions and the legal profession to strengthen access to justice at the grassroots level. (NAN).(www.nannews.ng).
SIO
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