On Thursday, a group of aggrieved individuals from the Ajah community gathered at the Lagos State House of Assembly to express their opposition to the recent appointment of a traditional ruler in the region.
The protesters, who are members of the Ajah community, voiced concerns about the ongoing judicial review of the Obaship of Ajah and called for the Lagos State Government to respect the court’s decision and maintain the current status quo.
The protesters, who carried placards and banners, asserted that no individual had the requisite legal or historical qualifications to be crowned as the Oba of Ajah. They emphasized that the only officially recognized traditional title in Ajah is that of the Baale (Olomodi) of Ajah. The group warned that the imposition of an Oba could disrupt the peace and the rule of law in the community.
Kazeem Odunlami, the Secretary General of the Ajah Community, criticized the government’s decision as being at odds with their cultural values. He urged the Lagos State Government to reconsider the move, stating that the matter concerning the Obaship was still under legal review, specifically in the case of Suit No. LD/6432GCMW/2019, and that the court should be allowed to determine the rightful person to assume the title.
He explained, “The Lagos State Government should save our souls in Ajah town. All the families in Ajah say no to the superimposition of a king on us. The obaship of Ajah is still pending in court, and we urge the government to respect the ongoing proceedings.”
Further, the protesters reiterated that the Baale of Ajah, who has held the position for over 300 years, should be recognized as the traditional ruler of the community. They demanded that Chief Ismaila Adeleke, the current Baale of Ajah, be upgraded to the title of King, asserting that his leadership was integral to the community’s culture and history.
Responding to the protest, Bonu Samson, the lawmaker for Badagry Constituency 1, commended the peaceful nature of the demonstration and assured the protesters that their concerns would be communicated to the House. He urged the crowd to remain patient and law-abiding as the matter was addressed.
“We appreciate your peaceful conduct,” Samson said. “We will ensure this matter is handled properly, but we ask for your patience.”
Desmond Elliot, the lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency 1, also addressed the protesters, assuring them that the House would consider their grievances in its next plenary session. However, he emphasized the need to respect the ongoing legal proceedings, stating, “I heard your grievances, and the House will deliberate on them. But we must respect the judiciary’s role and refrain from interfering with matters under litigation.”
