HURMA faults alleged imposition of market leader in Igbogbo/Baiyeku

The Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA) has appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to wade into the brewing market leadership crisis threatening peace and order in Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of the state.

Executive Director of HURMA, Comrade Buna Olaitan Isiak, in a press conference yesterday, said the purported crowning of an unauthorised individual as Iya Oloja-General of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA will destabilise the area.

He said: “This has been communicated to the office of the Lagos State governor for urgent intervention in a letter titled: Urgent Call for Governor Sanwo-Olu to Address Threats to the Life and Office of Acting Iya Oloja-General of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA: Restore Peace and Justice.

“HURMA received an urgent call for intervention on the above, and an investigation was conducted, which revealed a well-documented fact that Chief Mrs Mojisola Oyesanya has been duly nominated, appointed, and endorsed as the Acting Iya Oloja-General of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA.

“We discovered that the legitimate appointment followed due process and the consensus of key stakeholders, including the three royal councils of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA (Adeboruwa-in-Council, Olubeshe-in-Council, and Fidimolu-in-Council); the executive, legislative, and management arms of the LCDA; the Nigeria Police Force, Igbogbo Division; and the Department of State Services (DSS).

“Moreover, the appointment was formally ratified and approved by the council chairman, ensuring that Oyesanya is recognised as the rightful leader.” Despite this, Isiak noted that certain individuals have attempted to destabilise the community by imposing an unauthorised candidate as Iya Oloja-General.

He said these efforts are deceitfully tied to the supposed endorsement of His Royal Majesty, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom—a claim largely rejected as baseless and divisive.

While noting that two separate letters have been written to Sanwo-Olu and the Commissioner of Police, the Executive Director said that, as elaborated in their letter to the governor on November 20, 2024, a direct threat to Oyesanya’s life was made.

They noted that five unidentified men visited her shop while she was away, delivering a chilling message: withdraw from her legitimate position or face dire consequences.

“In light of these developments, we demand that the legitimacy of Chief Mrs Mojisola Oyesanya as the Acting Iya Oloja-General must be upheld without compromise.

“The authorities must prevent any attempt to impose or recognise another individual, as it violates due process and threatens community stability. The Nigeria Police Force and relevant security agencies must thoroughly investigate the threat against Oyesanya and ensure the safety of her life and property.

“The authority of the Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA under the council chairman must not be undermined by unlawful actions. Individuals parading themselves as Iya Oloja-General, apart from Oyesanya, should be arrested and prosecuted.

“We appeal to the executive governor of Lagos State and the royal fathers to prioritise justice and ensure the rule of law prevails, refraining from any actions that could jeopardise peace in the LCDA,” the group added.

HURMA also called for decisive action to restore order, uphold justice, and protect the lives of all involved.

“Let us send a clear message that unlawful behaviour and intimidation have no place in Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA or anywhere else,” the group said.