The Dosunmu Branch of the Onikoyi Royal Family has rejected the recent installation of Prince Ibikunle Fafunwa as the new Onikoyi of Ikoyi and Imoba Land, issuing a two-week ultimatum to the Lagos State Government to reverse the decision or face legal action.
The Lagos State Government had installed Fafunwa and presented him with the Staff of Office a week ago, officially recognising him as the new traditional ruler. However, the Dosunmu Royal Family has insisted that the rightful candidate is Prince Abdul Ganiyu Ayinla Adeniran Onikoyi.
Speaking at a press conference held on Sunday at the Onikoyi Family House in Enu-Owa, Isale-Eko, Lagos Island, Prince Ademola Onikoyi, on behalf of the Dosunmu Branch, addressed the matter, with the family’s solicitor present.
“We consider this action by the Lagos State Government, and unnamed actors within the traditional authority framework, as a grave injustice, a violation of due process, and a betrayal of our collective heritage,” the family stated.
They explained that the Onikoyi Royal Family is historically and legally composed of two recognised ruling houses: the Muti Onikoyi Royal House and the Dosunmu Onikoyi Royal Family. The family noted that the rotational chieftaincy arrangement between these two houses is not just a matter of oral tradition but has been affirmed by Supreme Court rulings and documented evidence.
“It is a matter of recorded history and established law that the Onikoyi Royal Family is constituted by two recognized ruling houses: the Muti Onikoyi Royal House and the Dosunmu Onikoyi Royal Family. This rotational chieftaincy arrangement is not merely a matter of oral tradition; it has been legally affirmed by Supreme Court judgments and supported by authoritative documentation, including a widely respected report submitted to the late Obu of Lagos, His Royal Majesty Oba Adeyinka Oyekan, compiled by the Idejo Council under the leadership of the late Oba Idowu Abiodun Oniru (Akiogun II),” they said.
They recalled that the Muti House last occupied the throne through Chief Patrick Fafunwa, who was installed as the first Oba Onikoyi and reigned from 1996 until his death in December 2023. Before him, the Dosunmu lineage held the title through Chief Adamo Fagbemi Onikoyi, who reigned from 1982 to 1995.
“In keeping with this established and rotational succession pattern, the Muti House last held the title through Chief Patrick Fafunwa, who became the first Oba Onikoyi and reigned from 1996 until his passing in December 2023. Prior to him, Chief Adamo Fagbemi Onikoyi of the Dosunmu line ruled from 1982 to 1995,” they stated.
“Therefore, upon the passing of Oba Patrick Fafunwa, the next rightful turn to the throne by all standards of custom, law, and equity reverts to the Dosunmu Onikoyi Royal Family,” they insisted.
The Dosunmu Branch stated that Prince Abdul Ganiyu Ayinla Adeniran Onikoyi was unanimously elected by the family as the Oba Onikoyi-elect and that his candidacy had been formally submitted to the Lagos State Government in accordance with tradition and legal procedure.
“In accordance with this, our family unanimously elected Prince Abdul Ganiyu Ayinla Adeniran Onikoyi as our Oba Onikoyi-elect. Following due tradition and with all relevant documents submitted to the authorities, we made a formal presentation of his candidacy to the Lagos State Government, confident that law and fairness would be upheld,” they explained.
The family expressed shock and disappointment over the state government’s decision to install Prince Ibikunle Fafunwa, alleging external influence and a breach of customary and legal processes.
“To our collective shock and deep dismay, the Lagos State Government, allegedly influenced by unnamed ‘authorities from above,’ chose to bypass this lawful process and installed the late King’s son, Prince Ibikunle Fafunwa, in what can only be described as a blatant abuse of executive privilege and a brazen contravention of customary law and precedent,” they said.
“We, the Dosunmu Onikoyi Royal Family, reject this imposition in its entirety. It is not only an injustice to our lineage but also an assault on the sanctity of traditional rulership in Lagos State, which is meant to be guided by heritage, law, and fairness, not political favoritism,” they added.
The Dosunmu family also noted that their rejection of the installation had received support from Lagosians both at home and abroad, who share their concern over the integrity of traditional institutions being compromised.
“This injustice has resonated far beyond our family. We have received overwhelming support and outrage from well-meaning Lagosians, both at home and in the diaspora, condemning the damage the decision does to the integrity of our traditional institutions,” they said.
The family then issued a public demand to the Lagos State Government, urging the authorities to reverse the installation and uphold the rule of law.
“We call on the Lagos State Government to: Rescind this illegitimate installation of Prince Ibikunle Fafunwa, Respect the rotational arrangement duly recognized by law and custom. Acknowledge and approve the rightful candidate, Prince Abdul Ganiyu Ayinla Adeniran Onikoyi; Uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and due process in all future traditional appointments,” they stated.
They concluded by appealing to national and state traditional councils as well as the general public for intervention, warning that they are prepared to seek redress through all available legal means.
“We also appeal to the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), the Lagos State, and the general public to intervene and ensure that this matter is addressed with the seriousness it deserves. Let it be known that we will explore every legal and constitutional channel available that justice prevails and that the legacy of our forebears is not desecrated in the name of political expediency. This is not just a Dosunmu issue. It is a Lagos issue. It is a justice issue,” they declared.
