The Lagos State House of Assembly has pledged to intervene in the chieftaincy feud rocking the Onikoyi Royal Family.

This followed a protest by family members, who gathered at the entrance of the Assembly yesterday to seek lawmakers’ and the Lagos State Government’s intervention over the alleged imposition of a monarch in the community.

Speaking with The Guardian, Rauf Age-Suleiman, who represents Amuwo-Odofin Constituency 2 in the Lagos House of Assembly, promised swift action.

He said: “We commend the peaceful protest; this is good instead of taking arms. They have submitted their demands and the House will sit to look into it. We will digest it and get back to them.”

The Onikoyi Royal Family alleged that Prince Kunle Fafunwa was installed as the new Onikoyi of Ikoyi and Imoba land by the Lagos State government, contrary to the rotational arrangement among the 10 branches of the ruling houses.

The ruling branches include Fafunwa, Ojubiari, Ikubayije, Ikugbamola, Ilumo, Dosunmu Ajiwe, Idewu, Adelo and Dosunmu. Prince Fafunwa is the direct son of the immediate past king.

In a petition signed by the Olori-Ebi of the Onikoyi Royal Family, Otunba Onikoyi, the family insisted that longstanding traditions governing succession to the throne must be respected.

“Our family has a rich heritage characterised by its structured lineage and adherence to customary laws, which must be upheld for the sake of our kingdom’s integrity and unity.

“In accordance with the Onikoyi Royal Family Declaration of 2006, as documented in the Official Gazette of the Lagos State Government, we respectfully draw the attention of the government to the rotational arrangement for succession. This declaration, which forms part of the Customary Law of Lagos State, clearly outlines that the Ojubiari Branch is next in line for the throne and thus holds a rightful claim to leadership.

“It is crucial to emphasise that the current ruling branch, the Fafunwa, does not possess the legal right to continue in power, as per the stipulations outlined in the Official Gazette. This deviation from established protocols not only undermines the traditions of our family but also poses a risk to the stability of our kingdom.

“We urge the Assembly, along with all members of the Lagos State Government and relevant stakeholders, to respect the lineage and provisions set forth in the Onikoyi Chieftaincy Declaration of 2006, which was signed into customary law by then State Governor, Bola Tinubu, now President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Ensuring a fair and rightful succession is not merely about adherence to rules; it is about honouring our heritage and the legacy of leadership that has been entrusted to us. The future of the Onikoyi Kingdom relies on our collective commitment to these guidelines and traditions.

“We kindly request assistance in facilitating a resolution that honours the rightful succession and fosters unity within our royal family,” they pleaded.