Residents of Ajah in Lagos State have called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene in the planned imposition of a new traditional ruler in the community. This call was made during a peaceful protest held at the Governor’s Office on Monday morning, marking the second demonstration in two weeks following a similar protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly on November 28.
Leading the protest, Kazeem Odunlami, the General Secretary of the Ajah Community, urged the governor’s immediate intervention to prevent potential conflict in the area. Odunlami emphasized that the community’s main concern was stopping the imposition of the traditional ruler, which could lead to unrest.
“We are here today, December 9, 2024, to express our concerns to the governor about the planned imposition of a traditional ruler in Ajah,” Odunlami said. “We ask that the governor not be swayed by misleading information about the ownership of Ajah. Lagos State is renowned for its commitment to the rule of law, and without it, we risk anarchy, which threatens the peace we hold dear.”
He reiterated that the Baale (traditional ruler) of Ajah had governed the community for over 300 years and that no ruler from outside the area had ever held that position. The community, according to Odunlami, is deeply rooted in this tradition, and any attempt to change it would cause significant unrest.
Odunlami further urged the governor to act swiftly to avert any potential discord within the community, noting that the chieftaincy title of those attempting the imposition was not historically linked to the rulership of Ajah.
In response, Mr. Ayodeji Haruna, Director of the Office of Political, Legislative, and Civic Engagement in Lagos State, reassured the protesters that their concerns would be taken seriously. Haruna assured them that the governor would address the issue promptly.
“I am not the authority on this matter, but I can assure you that it will not be ignored,” Haruna said. “We are grateful for your peaceful protest, and the matter will be resolved by the governor in due time.”
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