The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has reportedly extended the withdrawal of police security details assigned to two prominent Lagos monarchs Oba Omogbolahan Lawal of Iru (Oniru of Iruland) and Oba Saheed Elegushi of Ikate on the instruction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to insiders who spoke with Peoples Gazette, the decision followed revelations that both monarchs were believed to have supported Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu during the contentious impeachment of Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, on January 13.
Sources disclosed that President Tinubu was upset over Governor Sanwo-Olu’s failure to effectively manage the state’s political dynamics, particularly the governor’s inability to prevent the lawmakers’ revolt that led to Obasa’s temporary removal. The president is said to be intent on holding not only Sanwo-Olu accountable but also others who allegedly aided or endorsed the move among them, the two monarchs.
As a consequence, official security personnel have been pulled from the palaces of Oniru and Elegushi. Over the weekend, the absence of police vans that typically guard the royal residences was conspicuous.
In response, Oniru has reportedly employed private security operatives and outfitted them in formal attire to mimic the presence of federal security agents. “He doesn’t know when his government-provided security will be restored. President Tinubu remains furious,” a palace insider shared.
Although constitutional protections prevent President Tinubu from directly sanctioning Governor Sanwo-Olu, sources say he is determined to penalize those around him who are perceived to have facilitated the speaker’s removal.
“The president was clear Oniru and Elegushi should have done their due diligence before supporting the governor’s claims. They failed to confirm whether the impeachment had presidential backing,” said a source familiar with the matter.
Following Obasa’s removal, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda was sworn in as Speaker of the Lagos Assembly. However, in a dramatic turn of events, Obasa was reinstated on March 3 after President Tinubu intervened despite initial resistance from some lawmakers. Reports also allege that Sanwo-Olu attempted to influence the process behind the scenes, although he has publicly denied any role in the impeachment.
President Tinubu’s irritation with Sanwo-Olu is said to stem from both recent events and deeper political grievances. One notable issue was Sanwo-Olu’s inability to prevent the ruling APC from losing Lagos to Peter Obi of the Labour Party during the 2023 presidential election. That loss, especially in Lagos a political stronghold of Tinubu has reportedly remained a sore point.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu misled lawmakers and allegedly offered inducements to remove a man [Obasa] who has long enjoyed the president’s trust,” said one source. “And to make matters worse, he claimed the president approved it, which was false.”
The Oniru’s palace has since distanced itself from the controversy. A spokesperson, Hakeem Akintoye, said the monarch had no political involvement and was only connected to Meranda—Obasa’s temporary replacement—through family ties.
“His Majesty is focused on community development and cultural preservation. He is a traditional ruler, not a political actor,” Akintoye stated.
Meanwhile, Elegushi has downplayed concerns about his security status but is reportedly making efforts to restore his official protection.
When contacted, a spokesperson for President Tinubu said they were unaware of any retaliatory measures taken against the monarchs. Governor Sanwo-Olu’s media team did not respond to inquiries, and the Nigeria Police Force also declined to comment on the matter.
