CSO seeks Sanwo-Olu, CP’s intervention in Iya Oloja-General of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA tussle

A civil society organisation (CSO),  Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURIMA), has called on the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the state Commissioner of Police (CP), Ishola Olanrewaju Olawale, to ensure that the position of Chief Mrs. Mojisola Oyesanya, as the Acting Iya Oloja-General of Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Authority (LCDA), is not tampered with.

HURIMA, in a statement signed by Comrade Buna Olaitan Isiak, its Executive Director and made available to journalists, urged governor Sanwo-Olu and the state police boss to intervene by stopping the alleged plot by some people abort the recognition already given to Chief Oyesanya as the Acting Iyaloja of the LCDA.

The group, stressed that its call had become necessary for peace and justice to reign as there was a well documented fact that Chief Mrs. Mojisola Oyesanya was duly nominated, appointed, and endorsed as the Acting Iya Oloja-General of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, having followed due process and the consensus stakeholders.

HURIMA listed the key stakeholders as: “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 and the Nigeria Police Force, Igbogbo Division, and the State Security Service (DSS).

It also noted that the appointment was formally ratified and approved by the Council Chairman, ensuring that Chief Mrs. Oyesanya was recognised as the rightful leader.

The group lamented: “Despite this, we learnt that certain individuals have attempted to destabilise the community by imposing an unauthorised candidate as Iya Oloja-General.

“These efforts are deceitfully tied to the supposed endorsement of His Royal Majesty, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, a claim majorly rejected as baseless and divisive.

“More concerning, as elaborated in our letter to the Lagos State Governor, His Excellency Mr. Baba-jide Sanwo-Olu, on November 20, 2024, a direct threat to life was made against Chief Mrs. Oyesanya.

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

“This act of intimidation is a criminal affront to the rule of law and must be condemned in the strongest terms.”

The group therefore demanded immediate reinforcement of legitimacy, saying that the legitimacy of Chief Mrs. Mojisola Oyesanya as the Acting Iya Oloja-General must be upheld without compromise.

It also urged the state authorities to prevent any attempt to impose or recognise another individual, as doing so would violate due process and threaten the community’s stability.

HURIMA also demanded that the Police and relevant security agencies should thoroughly investigate the threat against Chief Mrs. Oyesanya and ensure the safety of her life and property.

It stressed: “The authority of the Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA under the Council Chairman must not be undermined by unlawful actions.

“Any individual parading themselves as Iya Oloja-General apart from Chief Mrs. 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 Human Rights Monitoring Agenda calls 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.”