Onikoyi Family of Lagos yesterday rejected ‘imposition of Prince Adekunke Fafunwa as Onikoyi of Ikoyi and Mobaland, saying it violated the chieftaincy declaration and laws of Lagos State.

The family said “Prince Omogbolahan Abdul Waliu Onikoyi is its candidate and he is the next Onikoyi of Ikoyi and Moba land.”

The stool became vacant following demise of Oba Patrick Onikoyi in 2023, after which the family selected Prince Omogbolahan from the Ojulari branch of the extended family.

Family Head, A.G.K Onikoyi told reporters that following resolution on the choice of Omogbolahan, chairman of Eti -Osa Local Government, commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu were informed.

He said letters to them were followed by another letter by their lawyer, urging them to perform their statutory responsibilities.

The family head also said the Onikoyi family instructed their lawyer to file an action seeking an order of mandamus directing the government to act in accordance with the law by confirming the selected candidate of the family. The action pending before Justice Opesanwo of Lagos State High Court is adjourned to September 18.

Warning against installation of Fafunwa today,  Onikoyi urged Sanwo-Olu “to stop this illegality and an attempt to deprive the rightful branch of their entitlement and jettison the position of the law of the state and chieftaincy declaration…”

He said: ”By Lagos High Court judgment of July 3 in LD/2434GCMW/2016, the Chief-in-Council appointed by the late Oba Patrick Fafunwa Onikoyi has been declared null and void, hence anyone holding out himself/herself as Chief -in-Council is in disobedient to the judgment of the court.’’

“The family believes the facts must have been misrepresented to the governor, and the family is pleading with him not to allow illegality to be enthroned in the place of truth, justice and equity.”