Excitement as Kirikiri town gets new traditional ruler

It was excitement galore as the Lagos State government at the weekend approved the selection of Chief Anthony Folami as the Baale of Kirikiri, in Oriade Local Council Development Area, (LCDA).

Women and men in their traditional attires took to the streets to celebrate the announcement, which according to them, brought an end to the leadership tussle in the area.

The state government said its decision followed “painstaking deliberation and examination of the Obas and Chiefs Law, and Customary Law of the community, (Kirikiri)”

It also said a full-fledged committee set up on the matter identified two ruling houses as those eligible to produce a candidate for the stool.

Before the announcement, the two ruling houses had petitioned the government against a group, led by one Shabi, laying claim to the traditional stool.

The petitioners, through their lawyers Taiwo Lakanu & Co, affirmed that they were the legitimate royal families and traced their ancestry to Chief Tumbulu who became the first Baale of Kirikiri Town in 1893.

The newly elected Baale of Kirikiri, Chief Anthony Folami, told our correspondent that his emergence as the traditional ruler of Kirikiri would bring peace that has eluded the community for quite a long time.

“Kirikiri should not only be known as prison yard or a place where criminals are kept but should also be known for its rich aquatic life style. It is also home for all,” he added