Adele Ajosun Family calls on Gov Sanwo-Olu over Igbologun Island Baale row

 

By Kayode Olopade 

The Adele Ajosun Royal Family of Lagos has urged Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu to intervene following the alleged unlawful capping of a purported Baale at Igbologun Island, Amuwo Odofin. 

The family described the appointment as illegal, irregular, and a direct assault on the historical legacy of the island.

In a statement signed by Prince Moroof Adegboyega Adele, Chairman, and Prince Okanlawon Adekunle S. Adele, Secretary, the royal family said the action by HRM Oba Maroof Oluwa, the Olu of Iwa and Apapa, on Saturday, 6 September 2025, lacked historical basis and violated long-established traditions.

It reads partly: “To be clear, our family vehemently oppose this act and would definitely challenge same, for the preservation and protection of our collective heritage. The established history of Igbologun Island does NOT support the illegalities of Saturday, 6 of September 2025.

“Igbologun Island rightly belongs to Oba Ologunkutere (the 4th Oba of Lagos), who later put his son, the then Prince, and later Oba Adele Ajosun (the 5th Oba of Lagos) as the custodian of the riverine island-forest when he was called upon to be capped as the king of Lagos. Adele Ajosun also left Igbologun Island to succeed his father, Oba Ologunkutere, as the 5th Oba of Lagos, and he subsequently installed his son Prince Iworu Amore to be in charge of Igbologun Island as Baale.”

The royal family alleged that the capping involved a surveying expedition conducted by Olu of Iwa and Apapa, in collusion with one of Oba Ologunkutere’s customary tenants, the Olaleye family, and had the backing of Pa Rabiu Oluwa, who purportedly leveraged political connections within the ruling APC.

“This unconscionable traditional usurpation of the Baale Stool of Igbologun Island is also with the active backing and approval of his uncle, Prince Rabiu Oluwa, who has not ceased to boast of his wide political connections within the ruling APC, and has continuously maintained that he will act as the LAW for as long as he lives. Despite these empty boasts, our family has an unshaken belief in the Rule of the Law, and the invincibility of the Truth!” the statement added.

While condemning the exercise, the family emphasised that members had been prevailed upon to remain calm and peaceful, while pursuing legal avenues to assert their historical rights over the island.

“Apart from the historical inadequacy of this illegality, we view this as an injustice that must be fought, and defeated, no matter the costs. Nevertheless, as a law-abiding Royal Family, we have prevailed on all members of our family to be calm and peaceful, as we run this marathon to formally establish our Family’s interest,” the statement added.

The Adele Ajosun Royal Family warned that the purported capping could escalate into a law and order challenge if left unchecked and pledged to pursue all legal and traditional avenues to protect their heritage.