Onikoyi Royal Family Protests Fafunwa’s Installation As New Oba Onikoyi – Independent Newspaper Nigeria

Raji Adebayo

The Onikoyi Royal Family of Ikoyi and Imoba land in the Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State has recently taken a stand against the installation of Prince Kunle Fafunwa as the new Oba Onikoyi.

Armed with placards and determination, family members held a peaceful protest outside the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday, demanding that the state government halt Fafunwa’s installation.

During the protest, Adesoji Onikoyi articulated the family’s dissatisfaction, declaring Fafunwa’s installation as not only disappointing but also insulting.

He explained that the “unlawfully” enthroned king, is from Fafunwa branch and son of the immediate past Onikoyi of Ikoyi and Imoba Land.

He emphasized that Sulaimon Waliu Omogbolahan was the rightful Oba Elect, chosen according to the established traditions of the royal family.

The crux of the family’s argument hinges on the Onikoyi Chieftaincy Declaration of 2006 Gazette, which stipulates that the throne must rotate among the ten branches of the royal family.

According to Adesoji, the decision to install Fafunwa did not adhere to these guidelines, presenting a serious deviation from customary practices.

Adesoji outlined the ruling houses within the Onikoyi Royal Family, including Fafunwa, Ojubiari, and others. He reiterated that after the Fafunwa line, it is the turn of the Ojubiari branch to ascend to the throne, as such was the agreement within the family and stipulated in the official Gazette approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his tenure as Lagos state governor.

The protesters believe that Fafunwa’s continued rule undermines the observed customs and could lead to further discord within the family structure.

Echoing the sentiments of the family, Alhaja Faozeat Ekundayo and General Secretary Oyebode Shadeko added their voices to the call for the Lagos State government to uphold the traditions set forth in the Gazette.

They urged the government to ensure that the Onikoyi traditional institution is respected and not compromised.

In response, Hon. Rauf Sulaimon, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, assured the protesters that their grievances would be considered, emphasizing the need for a collective decision-making process. He promised a meeting between the Assembly and the royal family to explore a resolution to the contentious issue.