Hundreds of Ajah community residents staged a peaceful protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday, November 28, to oppose the alleged plan to install a member of the Olumegbon family from Lagos Island as their traditional ruler.
Protesters, led by Alhaji Kazeem Odunlami, Secretary of the Ajah Community, expressed concerns that the issue of Ajah’s Obaship remains a subject of ongoing litigation.
They urged the Lagos State Government to respect the judicial process and maintain peace in their community.
Odunlami emphasized: “The Lagos state government should save our souls in Ajah town. The families in Ajah unanimously reject the imposition of an Olumegbon as Oba. The Obaship dispute is pending in suit LD/6432GCMW/2019, and the court must determine who is entitled to the throne before any appointment is made.”
He pointed out a subsisting interlocutory order from the Lagos High Court, which obliges the government and the Olumegbon family to maintain the status quo, pending the case’s resolution.
Odunlami remarked that disregarding the court’s order could precipitate chaos in Ajah.
Addressing the protesters, Hon Bonu Samson, the member representing Badagry Constituency 1, commended their peaceful protest and assured them that their concerns would be conveyed to the House.
He stated “We appreciate your peaceful conduct,” Samson said.
“We will ensure this matter is addressed amicably, but we urge you to remain law-abiding and patient.”
Similarly, Desmond Olusola Elliot, representing Surulere Constituency 1, pledged that the House would consider the matter during its next plenary session.
However, he clarified that the Assembly would not interfere with ongoing court proceedings.
“We’ve heard your grievances, and the House will deliberate on them,” Elliot said. “But we must respect the judiciary’s role and not interfere in matters under litigation.”
The Ajah community leaders, therefore, reiterated their commitment to peace while urging the Lagos State government to avoid actions that could escalate tensions.
“We are not subjects of the Olumegbon family and will not accept their rulership. The government must refrain from approving any Obaship that could lead to anarchy in our town,” Odunlami stated.
