The Dosunmu Branch of the Onikoyi Royal Family has rejected the installation of the new Onikoyi of Ikoyi and Moba land, giving the state government two weeks to reverse the decision or face legal action.
The Lagos State Government recently installed and presented the Staff of Office to a new Onikoyi.
Last Tuesday, some members of the Onikoyi Royal Family also rejected the installation of the new Oníkoyi, describing the process as illegal and a violation of the established chieftaincy declaration guiding succession to the throne.
On Tuesday, nine out of the 10 branches of the ruling house staged a peaceful protest at the old palace of the Onikoyi in the Idumota area of Lagos Island.
Speaking with The PUNCH on Wednesday, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, confirmed that the government was aware of the protest by some members of the royal family over the installation of the new monarch.
He, however, described such dissent as not unusual in the selection process of traditional rulers.
Speaking on behalf of the Dosunmu Branch of the Onikoyi Royal Family, at a press conference held at the Onikoyi Family House, Enu-Owa, Isale-Eko, Lagos Island, on Sunday, Prince Ademola Onikoyi maintained that the rightful candidate was Prince Abdul Ganiyu Adeniran Onikoyi.
The family, who had in attendance their solicitor, said, “We consider this action by the Lagos State Government, and unnamed actors within the traditional authority framework, as a grave injustice, a violation of due process, and a betrayal of our collective heritage.
“It is a matter of recorded history and established law that the Onikoyi Royal Family is constituted by two recognised ruling houses: the Muti Onikoyi Royal House and the Dosunmu Onikoyi Royal Family. This rotational chieftaincy arrangement is not merely a matter of oral tradition; it has been legally affirmed by Supreme Court judgments and supported by authoritative documentation, including a widely respected report submitted to the late Obu of Lagos, His Royal Majesty Oba Adeyinka Oyekan, compiled by the Idejo Council under the leadership of the late Oba Idowu Abiodun Oniru (Akiogun II).
“In keeping with this established and rotational succession pattern, the Muti House last held the title through Chief Patrick Fafunwa, who became the first Oba Onikoyi and reigned from 1996 until his passing in December 2023. Before him, Chief Adamo Fagbemi Onikoyi of the Dosunmu line ruled from 1982 to 1995.
“Therefore, upon the passing of Oba Patrick Fafunwa, the next rightful turn to the throne by all standards of custom, law, and equity reverts to the Dosunmu Onikoyi Royal Family.
“In accordance with this, our family unanimously elected Prince Abdul Ganiyu Adeniran Onikoyi as our Oba Onikoyi-elect. Following due tradition and with all relevant documents submitted to the authorities, we made a formal presentation of his candidacy to the Lagos State Government, confident that law and fairness would be upheld.”
They claimed that the lawful process was bypassed to install the new monarch.
“We, the Dosunmu Onikoyi Royal Family, reject this imposition in its entirety. It is not only an injustice to our lineage, but also an assault on the sanctity of traditional rulership in Lagos State, which is meant to be guided by heritage, law, and fairness, not political favouritism.”
They called on the Lagos State Government to rescind the installation and respect the rotational arrangement recognised by law and custom.
Last week, Omotoso noted that the government’s role was limited to presenting the staff of office, which was done in line with established procedures.
“The ministry (of chieftaincy affairs) followed due process. The role of government is to be present and present the staff of office, which was what the ministry did. When you have this kind of situation, it is not unusual,” Omotoso told The PUNCH.
