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By Chinelo Obogo
A South-West socio-political group, the Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum, has called on Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to proceed with the installation of the Oloja of Lagos-elect, Prince Abiola Kosoko, who was selected by kingmakers more than four years ago as the rightful successor to the late monarch.
In a statement yesterday, the President of the Forum, Akin Malaolu, said the group, known for championing fairness and equity, was worried by the prolonged delay in the government’s recognition and installation of Prince Kosoko as the Óloja of Lagos.
The Forum said Prince Kosoko, a candidate of the Akinsanya Olojo Kosoko ruling house, emerged winner of the selection process in a transparent manner and was duly recognised by the kingmakers, led by Chief Mutiat Alli-Balogun who is the head of the family.
“The Kosoko is a royal name with deep historical roots at home and abroad. It is a fearless, responsible and reasonable royal family that should not be treated shabbily by another royal family, or more particularly, by a sitting Oba, considering that King Kosoko once occupied the same throne centuries ago,” the statement said.
The Forum added that monarchs installed by the government clearly understood the principle of delineation of duties, which prevents one traditional ruler from encroaching on the jurisdiction of another, regardless of status.
It urged the Lagos State Government not to allow any form of intimidation or interference in traditional processes, stressing that such actions could undermine respect for traditional institutions in the state.
“We are calling on Governor Sanwo-Olu to intervene in this matter. It is incumbent on the governor to protect the Kosoko dynasty and its ruling houses, which remain a source of historical inspiration,” the statement said.
The group recalled the historical role of King Kosoko, noting that he resisted British colonial forces and only relented in the interest of the continued survival of the indigenous people of Lagos.
“Relics such as the war cannons at Iga Idunganran and other parts of Lagos stand as testimony to his determination to defend Lagos. He remains one of the few kings who stood firmly for his domain before the creation of the Colony of Lagos and the advent of British administrative rule in present-day Nigeria,” it added.
