Olumegbon family alleges incursion by Lagos monarch, faults Oba-elect installation

The Olumegbon Chieftaincy Family of Ajah and Okun-Ajah Kingdom has raised the alarm over what it described as the unwarranted interference of a Lagos monarch in its affairs, alleging intimidation, land encroachment and the illegal installation of an Oba-elect.

The family, through its General Secretary, Elder Alhaji Machado Adesina, who addressed journalists on Saturday, accused the monarch—an ex-policeman—of using his influence to interfere in chieftaincy matters and lay claim to ancestral lands.

Adesina, who said he has held the position for 36 years, alleged that the monarch had been “terrorising” members of the family and selling portions of their ancestral land, despite having been compensated for financial assistance rendered to the family in past litigations.

The 77-year-old further alleged that he was arrested and detained for 32 days without bail at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Ikoyi, on the orders of the monarch, after challenging what he described as illegal actions within the family.

He said, “I was detained for 32 days without bail simply because I challenged him over his involvement in our family matters. While in detention, I became ill and was taken to the Police Hospital, Ikoyi. It was only after my lawyers intervened that I was arraigned and later granted bail.”

Adesina said he was charged with criminal conspiracy and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, adding that the matter is still pending in court.

The family also faulted the installation of Alhaji Abdulateef Kolawole Lawal Olumegbon as the Oba-elect of Ajah and Okun-Ajah Kingdom, insisting that the process did not reflect the family’s choice, which it said was Pastor Emmanuel Olusegun Olumegbon.

According to Adesina, while he was in detention, attempts were made to compel him to endorse the selection of Abdulateef Lawal as Oba-elect, a move he said he rejected.

He further alleged that after his release, he discovered that a family meeting was purportedly held with records indicating his attendance and endorsement of the same candidate.

“I petitioned the forensic unit of the FCID, and the result showed that my signature was forged,” he said, adding that he had since reported the matter to the Lagos State Government, the police, and the Eti-Osa Local Government.

Adesina argued that the alleged forgery contributed to the installation of the Oba-elect, creating tension between the state authorities and the family.

He also disputed the monarch’s claim to membership of the Olumegbon Royal Family, stating that historical accounts showed he was adopted into the household of a former Olumegbon ruler and did not belong to the lineage.

Providing historical context, Adesina said the Olumegbon family had long-standing ownership of vast lands in Ajah and Okun-Ajah, tracing legal victories over the land to as far back as 1896 and culminating in a Supreme Court judgment in 2002 affirming their ownership.

He, however, alleged that the monarch later exploited his influence to assert control over parts of the land, including areas such as Oloko-nla, Ajiwe, Alasia and Monastery, with the support of security operatives.

The family called on relevant authorities to investigate the allegations, particularly the claims of forgery and unlawful interference in its traditional leadership structure.

“We are seeking justice from the appropriate authorities and are prepared to challenge the installation in court,” Adesina said.