Okuoye Ruling House demands reversal of alleged monarch installation

Okuoye Ruling House demands reversal of alleged monarch installation

.stages peaceful protest to Lagos Assembly

By Our Reporter

Members of the Okuoye Ruling House in Ijede, Lagos State, have called for the reversal of the alleged installation of Ibrahim Adebowale Saliu as the traditional ruler of the community, insisting that the process did not follow due process.

The protesters, who staged a peaceful demonstration to the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday, appealed to the state government to intervene, saying they had unanimously chosen Babatunde Ekundayo as their preferred candidate following the demise of the former monarch.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Pastor Lana Bankole alleged that Saliu was not a member of the Okuoye Royal Family and described the reported installation as a surprise to members of the ruling house.

“We do not want trouble or chaos. We are here peacefully to make our voices heard and appeal to the government to look into the matter. We have our candidate, who was chosen by the family,” Bankole said.

The protesters carried placards with inscriptions, including "Ibrahim Adebowale Saliu Must Be Removed Immediately," "Okuoye Ruling House Rejects Ibrahim Adebowale Saliu," "Installation of Ibrahim Adebowale Does not Follow Due Process," "Ibrahim Adebowale Saliu Is not a member of Okuoye Royal Family," "Installation of Ibrahim is a taboo," among others.

They also sang songs in support of Ekundayo, chanting: “Awa o fẹ, awa o gba, Babatunde Ekundayo l’ọba ti wa,” meaning, “We do not want or accept him; Babatunde Ekundayo is our king.”

Bankole said the group believed that traditional institutions should be guided by established customs and the rule of law. 

He added that the dispute was already before a court and appealed to the government and relevant authorities to ensure a peaceful and fair resolution.