Crisis is brewing in Ise and Imedu communities of Lagos State, as stakeholders are challenging both the process and nomination of disputed traditional stools.

There are many petitions and lawsuits concerning the nomination.

At the centre of the controversy is one Saliu, whose alleged nomination as the Oba Onise of Ise has sparked outrage, particularly amid claims he had earlier presented himself as the Oba of Imedu Kingdom.

The development has raised questions over identity, eligibility, and the propriety of one individual being linked to two traditional stools in separate communities.

In a petition dated January 20, 2026, J.J.H. Joshua & Co., acting on behalf of elders and members of the Imedu community, faulted the process leading to the proposed creation of the Imedu Obaship stool and the emergence of Saliu.

The petitioners argued that the process lacked community-wide consultation and alleged that Saliu had been “imposing himself” on the community as monarch without lawful authority.

They further questioned his indigene status, claiming he neither hails from nor has meaningful ties to Imedu, and warned that his emergence could set a dangerous precedent.

The petition also accused certain individuals of long-running disputes over communal land, alleging unauthorised sales and mismanagement dating back several years, with cases already pending before courts and law enforcement agencies.

It warned that formalising Saliu’s position could deepen tensions, particularly amid fears that control of the traditional stool may be used to consolidate authority over community land.

The document also referenced a June 2025 incident in which armed security personnel allegedly accompanied Saliu to disrupt a local Muslim festival, an allegation that has further heightened tensions in the area.

In a separate petition dated April 1, 2026, Sola Ojutalayo (SAN) & Co., representing the Adegoroye Royal Family of Ise, challenged Saliu’s selection as Oba Onise of Ise, describing it as unlawful and contrary to the Obas and Chiefs Law of Lagos State.

The petitioners argued that the legally prescribed selection process was not followed, alleging that no ruling house was properly engaged, no nomination conducted, and no election held.

They also rejected the reported reliance on Ifa Oracle as a basis for selection, stating that it is not recognised under the applicable legal framework governing chieftaincy matters in the state.

Similarly, another petition filed by Bello Abdulmumuni LP, on behalf of principal members of the Adegoroye Royal Family, described the nomination as invalid and called on the Lagos State Government to nullify the process.

The petitioners further urged authorities to recognise the Adegoroye family as the sole legitimate ruling house to the Onise of Ise stool and to conduct a fresh inquiry into the kingdom’s traditional structure.

Court documents before the High Court of Lagos State, Epe Judicial Division, also show that members of the Oloja Olumade Royal Family had earlier filed objections seeking to halt any installation or recognition of an Oba of Imedu pending the outcome of an inquiry into the proposed stool.

The suit challenges decisions taken by local government chieftaincy authorities and seeks to restrain further actions until due process is followed.

In an administrative response dated April 16, 2026, the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Council advised that the matter falls within the jurisdiction of the Lekki Local Council Development Area, directing all further correspondence accordingly.

Across the various filings, a pattern of sustained opposition has emerged, with multiple groups contesting both the legitimacy of the candidate and the procedures leading to his emergence.

As of the time of filing this report, the Lagos State Government has yet to announce an official position, while key aspects of the dispute remain before the court. (The Sun)

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