Ajah Community Protests at Lagos Assembly Over Appointment of New Oba

A group of protesters stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday to express their opposition to the appointment of a new traditional ruler in the Ajah region of the state.

The protesters, hailing from the Ajah community, raised concerns that the matter of the Obaship of Ajah is still under judicial review. They called on the Lagos State Government to respect the ongoing court proceedings and maintain the status quo until a ruling is made.

Carrying placards and banners, the demonstrators voiced their dissatisfaction with the government’s actions. They argued that no individual currently meets the historical or legal criteria to assume the title of Oba of Ajah, asserting that the only officially recognized chieftaincy in the area is the title of Baale (Olomodi) of Ajah.

The group warned that appointing an Oba in Ajah could lead to unrest and undermine the rule of law within the community.

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Kazeem Odunlami, the Secretary General of the Ajah Community, spoke during the protest, emphasizing that the government’s decision conflicted with the community’s cultural and traditional values. He stated, “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 in suit No LD/6432GCMW/2019. Please, allow the court to determine who is entitled to become the Oba of Ajah before enthroning anyone as such.”

Odunlami further stated that the Baale of Ajah has historically governed the community for over 300 years, a tradition they consider integral to their culture. He continued, “The decision to impose a king over the Baale of Ajah is foreign to our culture and tradition. The rulership of Ajah belongs to the Baale of Ajah.

We should have a pedigree to that. The Obaship tussle is still before the court. We have sustained an injunction and it should be respected. We want Chief Ismaila Adeleke, who is the Baale of Ajah, to be upgraded to King.”

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In response, Bonu Samson, the lawmaker for Badagry Constituency 1, praised the protesters for their peaceful demonstration and assured them that their concerns would be communicated to the House. “We appreciate your peaceful conduct,” Samson said. “We will ensure this matter is addressed amicably, but we urge you to remain law-abiding and patient.”

Desmond Elliot, the lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency 1, also addressed the protesters, assuring them that the House would consider the matter during its next plenary session. However, he emphasized that the Assembly would respect the ongoing court proceedings. “I heard your grievances, and the House will deliberate on them,” Elliot said. “But we must respect the judiciary’s role and not interfere in matters under litigation.”

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