Scores of indigenes of the Ajah community in Lagos State took to the streets on Monday, staging a peaceful protest at the governor’s office in Ikeja, to urge Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to resolve the lingering rulership tussle in their community.
The protesters were led by the General Secretary of the Ajah Community, Mr Kazeem Odunlami.
They carried placards with inscriptions such as ‘Please allow the court to determine who is entitled to become the Oba of Ajah’ and ‘All the families of Ajah say no to superimposition of Olumegbon Family as the ruler of Ajah Community’.
They also emphasised that the Ajah community seeks peace, and it’s essential for the governor to intervene to prevent communal conflict.
According to Odunlami, the chieftaincy title of Olumegbon of Lagos is not associated with the rulership of the Ajah community, and the only recognised chieftaincy in Ajah since colonial days is the Baale (Olomodi) of Ajah.
He claimed that Olumegbon has no historical or judicial background to become the Oba of Ajah, and the community will not accept the alleged imposition.
“The Baale of Ajah has been the traditional leader for over 300 years, a custom deeply rooted in the community’s culture and history,” Odunlami stated.
He added that the residents urgently required the governor’s attention to halt the alleged imposition, which he said had been ongoing since 2003.
The protesters have previously staged similar demonstrations at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Oct. 28 and Dec. 8, against the imposition of Olumegbon as the new Ajah traditional ruler.
According to Odunlami, the Supreme Court judgement cited by Olumegbon, with suit number SC-148-1997, is not valid as the 52 families of Ajah were not parties to the suit.
He emphasised that the community is seeking a peaceful resolution to the crisis and wants the governor to allow the court to determine who is entitled to become the Oba of Ajah.
The Deputy Director of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Lagos State, Mrs Kemi Arigbangba, commended the peaceful nature of the demonstration and assured the protesters that their concerns would be presented to the governor.
She said the matter would be addressed promptly.
