September 03, (THEWILL) – The crisis rocking Iwaya community in Yaba Local Council Development Area of Lagos is yet to end. The three-year-old crisis, which started after the sudden death of Oba-designate, Prince Muritala Ogun-Oloko, a few weeks to his coronation, has forced the Lagos State High Court to stop Sulaimon Owolabi’s installation as the new traditional ruler of the community over the crisis which has spanned three years. It started in 2019 after the sudden and unfortunate demise of Oba Muritala Ogun-Oloko, a few weeks to his corontaion. Oba Ogun-Oloko was to be crowned in February 2019 but he developed a minor ailment a few weeks to the ceremony and passed on. A few months after his demise, a kingship tussle involving two prominent traditional ruling houses ensued in Iwaya. The Ogun-Oloko royal family insisted that it should produce the next king since the late Oba-designate died before ascending the throne. However, other royal families opposed the decision. The Oloto royal family insisted that other royal families should be included in the selection process since the Ogun-Oloko was the last royal family to present a candidate.
After going back and forth on the issue, the Ogun-Oloko royal family presented Sulaimon Owolabi as their candidate while the Oloto royal family presented Ramon Rufai Ogo-Oluwa Aromire as its candidate. However, the Lagos State Government appeared to support the Ogun-Oloko family since the latter’s previous candidate didn’t have the opportunity to rule. In response, the candidate of Oloto family, Aromire, decided to seek redress in court. He challenged Owolabi’s eligibility for the Iwaya throne.
In his ruling, Justice O. O. Ogunjobi of the Lagos State High Court sitting at Tafa Balewa Square ordered the Lagos State Government to halt the installation of the new monarch last week. The court also ordered Owolabi to stop parading himself as the Olu of Iwaya kingdom or acting in that office, pending the determination of the suit.
