Tribunal Rejects Application: Baale upgrades status to Oba

Igbo-Efon Chieftaincy tussle: Baale loses bid to become Oba.

The application by the Baale of Igbo Efon, in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos state, Chief Semiu Aniyalorun Abogun, to upgrade himself to Oba, has been rejected by the state Standing Tribunal of Inquiry into Chieftaincy matters, chaired by Hon. Justice Ojikutu-Oshode (Mrs) Rtd.

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Presenting its findings, the Tribunal found that the Baale and members of Abogun family, did not put any concrete and convincing material facts before it, to establish their link with any royalty.

It further observed that there is no recognized or gazetted Baale of Igbo Efon, which could be upgraded.

The Tribunal stated that the existing Oba, His Royal Majesty; Adetunji Akinloye, is the only recognized Oba over Igbo Efon and that the Oba and Ojomu Chieftaincy family of Ajiran land, are the rightful owners of the land in Igbo Efon.

It also found that the Baale has failed to follow some procedures, such as 

-- not complying with the Obas and Chiefs of the state laws and this renders the application void.

---failing to show the Tribunal that they have taken proper steps towards the recommendations for upgrade.

---failing to establish any link of their Progenitor Kumoyero/Kumoro to any royal family in Gbedegbede family in Ile Ife and any of the ancient cities.

--- failing to obtain the consent of the Ojomu Ajiran land, who is the consenting authority over Igbo Efon.

---- and failing to consult Chieftaincy committee of the local government.

The community was said to be living peacefully until the Baale began the move to elevate himself to Oba, without carrying along the two of the three families/quarters, Olukolu and Jinadu who are the owners of Igbo Efon and had opposed the application. It was testified before the Tribunal that Olukolu and Jinadu settled in Igbo-Efon before Abogun and that Olukolu belong to the Oluge Ruling house of Ojomu

During the period of the move, the community witnessed disturbances allegedly caused by Baale's supporters, in order to enforce his ambition. Some members of the community however believe that the Baale was merely being used as a decoy by an ambitious member of his family to achieve a personal ambition. This narrative may have been supported by Baale's response during cross examination by the counsel to the Olukolu and Jinadu families, Mr Osinowo, that he was too old and weak to perform the duties of an Oba if elevated, but that he had appointed someone else to wear the crown on his behalf after the elevation.

The rejection of the application of the Baale of Igbo Efon by the Tribunal, to be elevated to Oba, which has been applauded by across section of the community may serve as a lesson to discourage those, especially Baales, who may have the intention to impose themselves on residents as Obas, through political influence or otherwise without recourse to due process.