The Okuoye Royal Family of Ise Land in Lekki Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has reaffirmed that Prince Ibrahim Adebowale Saliu is the legitimate Oba-elect of the community, dismissing claims by another contender to the traditional stool.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the family urged the Lagos State Government and the public to disregard assertions by Ekundayo Babatunde Lana, whom it accused of falsely presenting himself as the Oba-elect of Ise Land.
The statement, signed by the Head of the Okuoye Royal Family, Chief Ligali Alidu, and the family’s Secretary, Prince Hassan Waliu Adewale, alleged that Lana’s claim was being supported by individuals seeking to disrupt the ongoing Obaship process.
According to the family, Prince Saliu emerged through a transparent selection process conducted in line with Yoruba customs and the approved Chieftaincy Declaration.
It explained that after the ruling house nominated eligible candidates, the Kingmakers carried out screenings, consulted the Ifa oracle, and assessed the contestants based on merit, educational qualifications, and character before selecting Prince Saliu as the preferred candidate.
The family said the Kingmakers’ decision was properly documented and forwarded through the appropriate local government channels for onward transmission to the Lagos State Government for final approval.
Rejecting Lana’s claim, the family stated that he was neither selected by the Kingmakers nor endorsed through the traditional consultation process. It maintained that while the royal family is responsible for nominating eligible candidates, only the Kingmakers have the authority to choose the Oba-elect.
The statement also alleged that the Chairman of Lekki Local Council Development Area, Hon. Rasaq Bamidele Kasali, was supporting Lana’s claim in a move aimed at delaying the installation process.
The royal family stressed that the established procedure requires the Kingmakers’ decision to be forwarded to the local council and subsequently to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for approval, warning that any attempt to alter or obstruct the process would undermine the integrity of the traditional institution.
The family appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to ensure that due process is upheld and to intervene in resolving the dispute.
It maintained that the throne of the Onise of Ise is sacred and should be occupied only by the candidate duly selected through established traditional procedures.
The dispute has continued to generate tension within the community as residents and stakeholders await the Lagos State Government’s decision on the competing claims to the traditional stool.
Source: The Guardian News
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