The Olumegbon Chieftaincy Family of Ajah and Okun-Ajah in Lagos has accused Oba Rilwan Akiolu of interfering in its traditional leadership process, alleging forgery of a family resolution and unlawful detention of one of its elders.
Addressing journalists in Lagos on Tuesday, the family’s General Secretary, Alhaji Machado Adesina, 77, said he was detained for 32 days at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Ikoyi, allegedly on the monarch’s orders after he opposed the selection of Alhaji Abdulateef Kolawole Lawal Olumegbon as Oba-elect of Ajah and Okun-Ajah kingdom.
Adesina claimed he was held without a warrant and later arraigned at the Lagos State High Court on charges of conspiracy and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace. He said the court granted him bail and the case remains pending.
According to him, pressure was mounted on him while in custody to endorse the installation of Abdulateef Kolawole Lawal Olumegbon as Oba-elect, contrary to the family’s preferred candidate, Pastor Emmanuel Olusegun Olumegbon.
He further alleged that after his release, he discovered that minutes of a purported family meeting indicated he attended and supported the installation of the Oba-elect, despite his absence.
Adesina said he petitioned the forensic unit of the FCID, which reportedly confirmed that the signature attributed to him in the document was forged.
He added that petitions had also been submitted to the Lagos State Government, the police and the Eti-Osa Local Government, urging authorities to investigate the alleged forgery and review the installation process.
The elder also accused Oba Akiolu of attempting to influence family affairs and land matters in Ajah and Okun-Ajah, including alleged sales of ancestral land. He maintained that the Olumegbon family had longstanding ownership of the land, backed by historical court judgments culminating at the Supreme Court.
Adesina said the family would challenge what he described as the “illegal installation” of Abdulateef Kolawole Lawal Olumegbon in court if necessary.
“We are seeking justice from relevant authorities,” he said, insisting the monarch “is not a member of the Olumegbon royal family.”
Efforts to obtain a response from Oba Akiolu were unsuccessful as calls to his press secretary were neither answered nor returned at press time.