The Royal Family of Ikoyi and Imoba in the area of the local government of Eti-Oosa of the State of Lagos has protested by the installation of Prince Kunle Fafunwa as the new Oba Onikoyi, which describes the process as a violation of tradition and an face to the established agreements.
Armed with posters, family members organized a peaceful protest outside the Chamber of the Establishment of the State of Lagos on Monday, asking the state government to stop Fafunwa’s coronation.
Speaking in the name of the protesters, Adesoji Onikoyi described the installation as “disappointing and insulting”, insisting that the legitimate elected oba was Sulaimon Waliu omogbolahan. He argued that the decision to enthrone Fafunwa, son of the immediate past of Onikoyi, violated the 2006 Gazette of Onikoyi.
“The family is really disappointed with the installation of Prince Kunle Fafunwa as the new Oba Onikoyi. Sulaimon Waliu omogbolahan was the legitimate oba-elect, chosen according to the established traditions of the royal family,” said Adesoji.
He explained that Gazethed’s statement stipulates that the throne must turn between the ten branches of the royal family, including Fafunwa, Ojubiari and others. According to him, after the Fafunwa line, it was the turn of the Ojubiari branch ascend to the throne.
“The quid of the family argument depends on the 2006 Gazette, approved during the mandate of former governor Bola Tinubu, which made it clear that the succession must turn. To this, to install Prince Fafunwa is a clear deviation of the usual practices,” he added.
The family expressed concern that retaining Fafunwa on the throne could establish a dangerous precedent, undermine their customs and deepen divisions within the real home.
Go to protesters in the name of the camera leadership, Hon. Rauf Sulaimon said his complaints would be considered. He emphasized the importance of collective decision making and promised that the assembly would meet with the interested party of the Onikoyi family to explore a resolution.
Read more than: Nigerian Tribune
Watch the best Nigerian Tribune TV videos