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The Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA Global Resource Initiative) has submitted a formal petition seeking urgent conflict resolution and prevention in Ijeododo, under Iba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State. The petition was addressed to both His Royal Majesty, the Oniba of Iba, and the executive chairman of Iba LCDA.
Dated Monday, April 14, 2025, the petition was prompted by recent complaints received by HURMA from members of the Ijeododo community regarding a potentially volatile dispute. The document was signed by HURMA’s executive director, Comrade Buna Olaitan Isiak, titled, “Alleged Unlawful Removal of Street Name: Conspiracy/Abuse of Office by Baale of Ijeododo, Abu Jelili, Iba LCDA – Request for Urgent Action to Ensure Peaceful Resolution and Prevent Communal Clash in Iba LCDA, Lagos State.”
The petition outlined grievances raised by some members of the Ajimotokin family and associates at the CEHRA Humanity Project office in Ijeododo. They alleged that the Baale of Ijeododo, Chief Abu Jelili, unlawfully removed the street sign bearing the name “Ajimotokin Street” and replaced it with a different name linked to a relatively new resident.
The complainants claimed it was done in bad faith and without proper procedures.
According to the petition, the Ajimotokin family provided official documentation and receipts confirming the street name’s legitimacy and approval by the local government, which have remained valid to date.
The central figure in the complaint, Mr. Bankole Ajimotokin, has been a resident of Ijeododo for nearly 30 years and serves as the branch coordinator for the CEHRA Humanity Project. His extensive community involvement, particularly in youth orientation, peace-building, and security initiatives, has earned him state recognition and commendations from law enforcement agencies.
The complainants argued that replacing the street name with one associated with a newer resident reportedly with no known contributions to community development was unjust, unlawful and potentially fuelled by personal interests.
While HURMA has urged Mr. Ajimotokin and his associates to refrain from retaliatory or disrespectful actions, they emphasized the need for swift and fair resolution to prevent the situation from escalating into a broader communal conflict.
“One of the pillars of our democratic society is adherence to the rule of law,” the petition said. “Circumventing legal processes can only lead to disorder. This matter demands urgent and lawful intervention.”
HURMA has, therefore, appealed to the Oniba of Iba, Oba Sulaiman, and the chairman of Iba LCDA to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure justice is served, to preserve peace and order in the community.
