The Olumegbon Chieftaincy Family of Ajah and Okun-Ajah Kingdom in Lagos has raised concerns over what it describes as external interference in its traditional affairs, particularly regarding the recent installation of an Oba in the community.
Speaking at a press briefing, the family’s General Secretary, Alhaji Machado Adesina, who said he has served in the position for over three decades, alleged that a prominent Lagos monarch had been involved in matters relating to the family, including issues surrounding land and leadership succession.
Adesina claimed that the monarch, a former police officer, had exerted influence over the family’s affairs, including the sale of ancestral land. He further alleged that a caveat had been placed on portions of the family’s land, despite what he described as prior compensation for financial assistance rendered during past legal disputes.
The 77-year-old also recounted his recent arrest and detention, alleging that he was held for over a month at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Ikoyi, without formal charges. According to him, his detention followed his opposition to what he described as an “unlawful” process in the selection of an Oba for the community.
He said the matter was later taken to the Lagos State High Court, where he was arraigned on charges including conspiracy and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace. He added that he was granted bail and that the case remains pending before the court.
Adesina further alleged that while in custody, attempts were made to compel him to endorse the appointment of Alhaji Abdulateef Kolawole Lawal as the Oba-elect of Ajah and Okun-Ajah Kingdom, a move he said he resisted.
According to him, upon regaining his freedom, he discovered that a family meeting had purportedly been held in his absence, with records indicating his participation and endorsement of the same candidate. He alleged that his signature was forged and said he had petitioned the appropriate authorities, including the FCID forensic unit, to verify the claim.
He stated that the forensic report, according to him, indicated that the signature in question was not his. Based on this, he said the family is challenging the legitimacy of the installation and has submitted petitions to the Lagos State Government, the police, and the Eti-Osa Local Government.
The family also questioned the historical involvement of the said monarch in their lineage, maintaining that he is not a member of the Olumegbon Royal Family. Adesina provided a historical account of the family’s lineage and past leadership, asserting that the family retains exclusive rights over its traditional leadership structure.
He further reiterated the family’s longstanding claim to vast tracts of land in Ajah and Okun-Ajah, referencing past court judgments, including a Supreme Court ruling, which he said affirmed their ownership.
While acknowledging that financial assistance was received during earlier legal battles, Adesina alleged that such support did not confer ownership or control over the family’s land or traditional institutions.
The family is now calling on relevant authorities to investigate the allegations, including claims of forgery and procedural irregularities in the installation process. Adesina stated that they are prepared to seek legal redress to challenge what they described as an unlawful installation.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the parties mentioned in the allegations.
