The Dosunmu Ruling House of the Onikoyi Royal Family of Lagos has appealed to the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to ensure that due process is applied in the selection of the next Onikoyi of Ikoyi and Imoba land.
They emphasise that the selection should align with the procedural rotation between the two ruling houses in the Onikoyi Royal Family.
This appeal comes following the passing of the Onikoyi of Ikoyi and Imoba land, Oba Ibikunle Fafunwa Onikoyi. The Dosunmu Ruling House asserts that it is now their turn to produce the next Onikoyi of Ikoyi and Imoba land.
The call was made during a press briefing led by the spokesperson for the ruling house, Abayomi A. Mayegun. He revealed that within the Onikoyi Royal Family, there are two royal lines, namely the Muti and Dosunmu royal families, each expected to produce the Onikoyi of Ikoyi and Imoba on a rotational basis.
Mayegun, while extending condolences to the immediate family of the late monarch, Oba Fafunwa Onikoyi, expressed prayers for the repose of his soul. He assured the public of the Dosunmu Ruling House’s readiness to select a suitable candidate for the position of Oba Onikoyi of Ikoyi and Imoba. Mayegun noted that the selection process had already commenced.
“We mourn and commiserate with the immediate family of our late king and royal father, His Majesty, Oba Ibikunle Fafunwa Onikoyi. May his soul rest in peace in the bosom of the Lord. Amen.
“The Lagos State government and members of the general public are hereby duly informed that members of the Dosunmu Ruling House of Onikoyi Royal Family are in the process of selecting a suitable candidate to be crowned as Oba Onikoyi of Ikoyi and Imoba.”
Responding to recent reports, the family spokesperson reiterated that the Onikoyi Royal Family comprises two ruling houses: Muti and Dosunmu. The Supreme Court of Nigeria supported this historical and legal affirmation in the case of AGBETOBA&ORDS Vs. LAGOS STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL&ORDS reported in 1991 4 NWLR part 188.
Mayegun further clarified, “There is a need to put the records straight to avoid misinformation and perpetuation of falsehood. The truth, which has been affirmed and reaffirmed historically and legally, is that the Onikoyi Royal Family consists of two ruling houses; namely Muti and Dosunmu ruling houses.” He referenced the Standing Tribunal of Inquiry into Chieftaincy Matters in Lagos State in 2004, chaired by Hon. Justice A.O. Silva, which recommended the elevation of Onikoyi Chieftaincy to Obaship based on exhaustive deliberations and submissions by legal representatives of both Muti and Dosunmu ruling houses.
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