The Lagos State Government has installed Oba Kolawole Abdulateef Lawal Olumegbon as the new traditional ruler of Ajah and Okun Ajah Kingdom, despite opposition from 52 local families who dispute the Olumegbons’ traditional authority over the area.
At the installation ceremony at the Olumegbon Palace in Ajah, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bolaji Robert who represented Governor Sanwo-Olu, called on the new monarch to prioritise peace and development in the kingdom.
Notable traditional rulers, including the Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, Oba Saheed Ademola, the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal and Chairman of Eti -Osa East LCDA, John Campos Ogundare joined other dignitaries to witness the ceremony.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Olumegbon pledged to ensure order and development in Ajah kingdom.
Recall, the local families of Ajah during a protest weeks ago led by General Secretary of Ajah Community, Kazeem Odunlami carried placards with inscriptions such as: “Allow the court to decide who becomes the Oba of Ajah,” and “Ajah Community seeks peace.”
Odunlami appealed to lawmakers to prevent the state government from approving rulership decisions that could spark unrest. He advocated for Chief Adewale Adeleke, the Baale of Ajah Kingdom, to be recognised as the new ruler, stating that the Baale title has been the recognised leadership position in Ajah for over 300 years.
He also cited an existing court order instructing the government to maintain the status quo until legal disputes are resolved. Odunlami argued that the Olumegbon family has no historical or judicial claim to the throne, and their appointment would conflict with Ajah’s customs and traditions.
