Our ancestors anointed me as Oba of Lagos – Akiolu

Lagos monarch, Rilwan Akiolu, has told an Ikeja High Court that he is the one anointed by their ancestors to be the Oba.

He made this statement when he appeared yesterday in Court after about 14 years on the throne in a suit challenging his coronation as the paramount ruler of Eko.

He said: “I am here to justify my appointment, you cannot build something on nothing, it will be broken. By native law and customs and by law, I am the bona fide Oba of Lagos.”

Akiolu was accompanied to the court by ten first class white cap Chiefs of Lagos.

The monarch’s installation as the Oba of Lagos is being challenged by Prince Adedoyin Adebiyi and Prince Rasheed Modile, two members of the Lagos royal family. The state governor, the AttorneyGeneral of Lagos State Prince Babatunde Akitoye and Chief Junaid Eko are joined as respondents in the suit.

Adebiyi and Modile said Akiolu is not entitled to the throne because he is not a member of a ruling royal family by not being a direct descendant of Oba Ado, the first Oba of Lagos.

The claimants said that only members of the Ologun Kutere and Akinsemoyin ruling houses are entitled to the throne.

They also alleged that proper customary rules and procedures were not followed when he was appointed as Oba in May 2003.

While being led in evidence by his lawyer, Mr Adetokunbo Mumuni, Akiolu told the court that his appointment followed due process.

Before cross-examining Akiolu, lawyer to the claimants, Mr Babatunde Fashanu (SAN), told the court that for the purpose of the trial, Akiolu should be addressed as the defendant and not as the Oba of Lagos while in court. The request was, however, not granted.

Akiolu said “My appointment as the king is the first time in history that kingmakers will be unanimous in selecting an Oba of Lagos.”

Justice A. Candide-Johnson adjourned the case until June 19, 2017 for continuation of trial.