The Omo’Ba Meta Royal Family of Odonla, Ikorodu, Lagos State, has petitioned the Governor of Lagos, Babajide Sanwo Olu and Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Tunji Disu over what it described as a growing threat to peace and stability within the community.
In separate petitions, the royal family alleged attempts by certain individuals to create division within the family through the purported duplication of the revered traditional title of Olotu Omo’Ba Meta.
The petition, signed by Prince Oluseye Mobolade Adedipe (FCA), the substantive Olotu Omo’Ba Meta and Head of the Oba Odeyemi Ofiran Royal Family of Odonla Kingdom, called on security authorities to urgently investigate actions allegedly capable of causing a breach of peace within Odonla Kingdom and the wider Ikorodu Division.
The petition, titled “Petition Against the Illegal Duplication of the Title of Olotu Omoba meta and the head Oba Odeyemi Royal family of Odonla Kingdom Ikorodu, Lagos State Conduct Likely to Cause Breach of Peace, and Attempts to Destabilise the Omo’Ba Meta Royal Family of Odonla Kingdom, Ikorodu, Lagos State,” alleged that recent developments within the royal family could trigger unrest if not urgently addressed.
According to the petitioners, following the passing of the immediate past Olotu Omo’Ba Meta, the late Otunba Asiwaju David Afolabi Ekiyoyo (AIWN,DCOI), members of the royal family unanimously selected Prince Oluseye Mobolade Adedipe as the new Olotu Omo’Ba Meta in accordance with established customs and traditions.
The family stated that formal notifications regarding his emergence were duly submitted to the palace of the Ayangburen of Ikorodu and acknowledged accordingly.
However, the petitioners alleged that some individuals later convened a parallel gathering at the residence of Otunba Olanrewaju Afuwape where another individual was allegedly presented as Olotu Omo’Ba Meta.
The family described the action as unlawful, provocative, and capable of destabilising the peace and unity of Odonla Kingdom and the wider Ikorodu Division.
“We are deeply disturbed that despite prior notification to the palace regarding the emergence of Prince Oluseye Mobolade Adedipe as the duly recognised Olotu Omo’Ba Meta, certain individuals allegedly proceeded with actions capable of creating confusion and instability within the royal family,” the petition read in part.
The petitioners further alleged that repeated efforts to formally present the new Olotu to the Ayangburen Palace were unsuccessful, despite official communications already acknowledged by palace authorities.
According to the royal family, the dispute is allegedly linked to interests surrounding family lands, properties, royalties, and community influence within Odonla.
The petitioners therefore appealed to the Nigeria Police Force and relevant government authorities to urgently intervene to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
“In view of the foregoing, we humbly appeal to the Nigeria Police Force to urgently intervene in this matter to prevent further escalation capable of resulting in violence, communal unrest, or breakdown of public peace,” the petition stated.
Petition to Lagos Government
In a separate petition addressed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, the royal family called for the removal of Otunba Olanrewaju Afuwape as the gazetted Otunba of Odonla Kingdom.
The Lagos State Governor’s petition, proposed to be signed by elders, executives, traditional representatives, and stakeholders of the Oba Odeyemi Royal Family Odonla, accused Afuwape of actions allegedly capable of causing division and instability within the community.
The family alleged that Afuwape played a major role in the purported installation and public presentation of a parallel Olotu Omo’Ba Meta, despite the existence of what they described as the duly selected and traditionally recognised office holder.
According to the petitioners, the parallel arrangement allegedly took place at Afuwape’s residence in Odonla and further moved to Ayangburen palace for completion.
Thereby creating tension and confusion within the royal family and the community.
The petition further claimed that there exists a subsisting court order restraining Afuwape from personally interfering in matters relating to the Odonla royal family and the community without the consent of his co- High Chiefs ( Oloye Ogbodo, Oloye Raselu and Oloye Iponyewa). Which the court ruling said are to act in pari-passu
It further alleged that despite previous interventions and reconciliation efforts, he had continued to engage in activities capable of undermining peace within the kingdom.
The family stated that the overwhelming majority of stakeholders within the Oba Odeyemi Ofiran Royal Family had lost confidence in Afuwape’s leadership and conduct.
Consequently, they requested: The removal of Otunba Olanrewaju Afuwape as the gazetted Otunba of Odonla Kingdom;
The withdrawal of all official recognition and privileges attached to the position; and
Government recognition of Prince Oluseye Mobolade Adedipe (FCA), Olotu Omo’Ba Meta of Odonla Kingdom, as the new Otunba of Odonla Kingdom.
Royal Family Dissociates Itself From Alleged Parallel Installation
Meanwhile, the Fidipotemole Ruling House of Idewon, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, alongside the Omo’Ba Meta Royal Family of Odonla, formally dissociated itself from the actions of Mr. Yahaya Olufemi Olukoga over his alleged involvement in the parallel installation exercise.
In a statement jointly signed by HRH Oba T.I.K.I. Omotayo, the Onimope of Imope Kingdom and Oloriebi of Fidipotemole Ruling House, alongside Omooba Aderibigbe Tunde, General Secretary of the Fidipotemole Ruling House Idewon Ijebu Ode – Ogun State, the Royal family condemned what it described as an unlawful impersonation of the office of Olotu Omo’Ba Meta.
The statement maintained that Prince Oluseye Mobolade Adedipe (FCA) emerged through due traditional process, extensive consultations, and customary rites witnessed by elders, stakeholders, and representatives of the various branches of the royal family.
