Ikeja, Lagos State– The Yoruba Union, popularly known as Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, has expressed concern against Yoruba monarch, Oba Fatai Oyegbemi Aromire, the Ojora of Ijora, accusing him of unleashing thugs to harass residents, seize properties, and extort homeowners and tenants in Lagos State.
In a statement issued on Saturday, by its Convener, Olusola Badero, the group condemned what it described as a systematic campaign of intimidation in Ajegunle, Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area, and Ifelodun LCDA, where residents reportedly woke up to chaos orchestrated by the monarch’s agents.
According to the union, Oba Fatai’s loyalists demanded an annual payment of ₦5,000 per householdunder the guise of “royalties,” a levy the group described as illegal, exploitative, and contrary to Yoruba cultural values.
They further alleged that refusal to comply resulted in violent evictions, property destruction, and threats to lives.
“Yoruba heritage is not for sale and must never be dragged in the mud of personal greed,” they said.
“We are custodians of purity and uphold the dignity of the Yoruba race. Our people are not beggars, and we refuse to become slaves to our stomachs because of unscrupulous individuals hiding under the sacred throne of kingship.”
Badero insisted that the traditional stool of the Yoruba people is meant to ssymbolise ntegrity, protection, and cultural pride, not to be weaponised against the very subjects it is sworn to safeguard.
He lamented that the once-revered sanctity of Yoruba monarchs is being eroded by individuals who prioritise personal enrichment over communal welfare.
The group warned that if unchecked, such actions could deepen distrust between traditional institutions and the people, further destabilising communities already grappling with poverty and insecurity.
They urged Yoruba leaders, cultural custodians, and government authorities to intervene immediately to protect residents from what they described as “modern-day slavery enforced through royal intimidation.”
“Those who exploit the Yoruba throne for selfish gain are enemies of our people and should be treated as such,” the Yoruba Union said.
“We call on all Yoruba sons and daughters, at home and in the diaspora, to speak up against this abuse before it becomes normalised.”
Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá further alleged that for years, the Oba’s thugs had terroriterrorised munity, collecting ₦5,000 annually from homeowners and tenants, only to later resell their properties without consent.
The union also revealed that the Oba’s agents recently destroyed the home of a medically vulnerable stroke patient, removing the roof in order to forcefully evict the occupant.
