By DEBORAH AKPEDE

The Police Command in Lagos has detained a man for allegedly parading himself as the Olu of Ikeja and impersonating a traditional ruler without lawful authority.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that the suspect allegedly installed and paraded himself as the New Olu of Ikeja.

A police source told NAN on Wednesday that the suspect was apprehended following a petition alleging conspiracy, impersonation and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

The source said the petition was received on July 28 from the Association of African Traditional Religion, Nigeria and Overseas, through a covering letter endorsed by the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu.

He said the petition was subsequently endorsed by the Commissioner of Police (CP) in the state, Mr Fatai Tijani, for discreet investigation.

“The petition alleged that the suspect had proclaimed himself the New Olu of Ikeja and was purportedly installed by a group of individuals.

“During the ceremony, he was adorned with a beaded crown and other royal regalia associated with a crowned Yoruba king.’

”The purported installation was carried out without the authority of the Lagos State Government, thereby raising concerns over the possible impersonation of the traditional ruler of Ikeja Kingdom and the potential for a breach of peace,” the source said.

The source added that the case was assigned to the General Investigation Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Lagos, under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr Dayo Akinbisehin, for discreet investigation.

According to him, detectives served invitation letters on the suspect, but he allegedly failed to honour them on several occasions.

The source said investigators subsequently obtained a warrant for his arrest, adding that the suspect was eventually apprehended and taken into custody.

He said detectives had begun further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged installation.

According to him, the suspect is assisting investigators and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.

“The case underscores the SCID’s commitment, under Tijani and Akinbisehin, to using discreet, intelligence-led policing to resolve sensitive cases and prevent threats to public order," the source said. (NAN)

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