BEVERLY HILLS, June 20, (THEWILL) – The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has insisted before an Ikeja High Court, on Tuesday that he remains the rightfully elected monarch of Lagos.
Akiolu made this known at the resumed hearing of a suit challenging his right to the throne as Oba of Lagos.
Akiolu’s title is being challenged by Prince Adedoyin Adebiyi and Prince Rasheed Modile who are both of the Akinsemoyin Ruling House of Lagos.
NAN recalls that Adebiyi and Modile were candidates chosen by the Akinsemoyin Ruling House to contest the Obaship title in 2003 after the demise of Oba Adeyinka Oyekan, the then Oba of Lagos in 2003 but they lost the race to Akiolu who they alleged had no rightful claim to the throne.
Joined in the suit as respondents are the Lagos state governor, the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Prince Awobade Pearse, the representative of the Ologun Kutere Ruling House and Chief J.J Junaid – Eko and the head of the traditional white cap chiefs of Lagos.
Other respondents include Prince Kola Balogun and Mr Musibau Kelani, who are the respectively the Head and Secretary of the Eshilokun Royal Family.
While being cross examined by Mr Babatunde Fashanu (SAN), Akiolu reasserted that the age-long traditional customs and traditions were followed in his selection as an oba.
Responding to claims that he was elected less than 90-days after the demise of Oyekan which is contrary to customs, Akiolu said that such a rule was non– existent.
Akiolu disputed the claims of Adebiyi and Modile that he was not a descendant of Oba Ologun Kutere, a former Oba of Lagos who reigned from the late 1700s to the early 1800s.
“Oba Ologun Kutere had five children, one of which was Akiolu, Akintoye was the last child and Akiolu and Olusi were the older children,” he stated.
“Akintoye was three months old when Oba Ologun Kutere died, I don’t know how old Akiolu was when his father died.
“By the grace of God, I am a direct descendant of Akiolu Ologun Kutere.”
Akiolu noted that his being capped as Oba during his coronation ceremony by a representative of the Eleboro family was not illegal despite the fact that it was not presided over by Chief Eleboro, who personally caps Obas of Lagos.
Justice Adebowale Candide-Johnson adjourned the case until July 5, 6 and 11 for continuation of trial.
