Iseland royal family reaffirms Prince Ibrahim Adebowale Saliu as Oba-elect

Iseland royal family reaffirms Prince Ibrahim Adebowale Saliu as Oba-elect

The Okuoye Royal Family of Ise Land in Lekki Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has reaffirmed that Prince Ibrahim Adebowale Saliu is the only recognised Oba-elect of Ise Land.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and jointly signed by the Head of the Okuoye Royal Family, Chief Ligali Alidu, and the family’s Secretary, Prince Hassan Waliu Adewale, the family urged the Lagos State Government and the general public to disregard the claims of one Ekundayo Babatunde Lana, whom it alleged is falsely presenting himself as the Oba-elect.

The family alleged that Lana is being sponsored by individuals opposed to the Ise Land Obaship process in an attempt to frustrate its successful conclusion.

According to the statement, the selection of Prince Ibrahim Adebowale Saliu followed due process in accordance with Yoruba tradition and the approved Chieftaincy Declaration.

It explained that after the ruling house submitted the names of eligible contestants, the Kingmakers screened all aspirants, consulted the Ifa oracle, and conducted voting based on merit, educational qualifications, and character.

“At the conclusion of the process, the Kingmakers chose Prince Ibrahim Adebowale Saliu as the rightful candidate. Their decision was documented and transmitted to the Local Council for onward submission to the Lagos State Governor,” the statement said.

The family further alleged that Lana placed 25th among the contestants and was neither selected by the Kingmakers nor endorsed through the traditional consultation process. It described as false his alleged claim that the Okuoye Royal Family selected him, maintaining that the family’s role is limited to nominating candidates, while the Kingmakers have the exclusive authority to choose the Oba-elect.

The statement also accused the Chairman of Lekki Local Government, Hon. Rasaq Bamidele Kasali, of backing Lana’s claim with the intention of stalling the Obaship process.

Citing the relevant Chieftaincy Gazette, the family stated that once the Kingmakers select a candidate, the name and minutes of their deliberations must be forwarded to the local council and subsequently transmitted to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for final approval.

It argued that any attempt to withhold or alter that process would be unlawful and would undermine the integrity of the traditional institution.

The family appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene by ensuring that due process is followed and by calling both Lana and the local government chairman to order.

“The throne of the Onise of Ise is sacred and cannot be hijacked by vaulting ambition or deceit. The rightful Oba-elect, chosen through tradition and due process, is Prince Ibrahim Adebowale Saliu.

The community stands united in rejecting Lana’s charade and calls on the state government to uphold justice, tradition, and peace,” the statement added.

The dispute has heightened tension in Ise town as residents and other stakeholders await the Lagos State Government’s response to the competing claims over the traditional stool.