Makoko, Oworonshoki Evictions: Yoruba Union Slams Oba Akinolu’s Silence, Accuses Sanwo-Olu Of Ancestral Land Grabs

Ikeja,  Lagos State– A Yoruba socio-cultural group, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, has accused the Lagos State Government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, of forcibly taking over ancestral lands belonging to Makoko and other waterfront communities.

The group criticised the Oba of Lagos, Oba Ridwan Akinolu, for his continued silenced alleged endorsement of state actions that have led to the displacement of Yoruba people from their ancestral homes.

The Yoruba Union also alleged that residents of Makoko, a historic waterfront community, are being dispossessed of their ancestral homes through violent state actions, including the deployment of armed police officers and task force operatives.

It claimed that these actions have resulted in shootings, casualties, and recorded deaths.

According to the Union, the crisis represents a deep betrayal of the Yoruba heritage of justice, courage and protection of the vulnerable, particularly by traditional institutions expected to act as custodians of the people’s welfare.

In a statement issued on Sunday, signed by the Union’s Convener, Olusola Badero, and released by its Home Director, Princess Balogun, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá accused the Lagos State Government of using brute force to seize lands belonging to indigenous communities, turning lawful residents into refugees in their ancestral territories.

The Union explained that police task force operatives were sent into Makoko and surrounding areas, firing shots at residents and forcing families out of their homes under the pretext of urban renewal and security operations.

“Oba Akinolu is watching how Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is taking over Makoko people’s ancestral homes, sending police task forces to shoot at them and render them internally displaced persons in their own land,” they said.

The group further noted that similar operations had earlier taken place in Oworonshoki, where residents were allegedly forcefully evicted, with reports of deaths during police actions carried out under the supervision of state authorities and traditional figures.

The Yoruba Union expressed deep disappointme over the failure of Oba Akinolu, the Oba of Lagos, to intervene or use his traditional authority to caution the Lagos State Government.

According to the statement, Yoruba monarchs were historically known as fearless defenders of their people, standing firmly against oppression and humiliation.

“Yoruba kings were known as brave men of integrity who always stood beside the oppressed, ensuring that their people were not subjected to ridicule or humiliation,” the Union stated.

The group questioned whom the monarchs were truly representing if indigenous people could be displaced, their liberty taken away, and their ancestral lands seized without a single public statement or intervention from traditional leaders.

“Who are they really looking after when the people they claim to protect are being displaced, their homes destroyed, their freedom taken away, and their ancestral lands seized, yet Oba Akinolu has never uttered a word?” the statement asked.

Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá said that Oba Akinolu’s continued silence amounts to complicity, particularly as the monarch has been seen publicly endorsing Governor Sanwo-Olu, rather than cautioning him against what the group described as impunity and abuse of power.

The Union also recalled earlier incidents in Oworonshoki, alleging that residents were violently forced out of their homes and some lost their lives during police operations.

“Oba Akinolu never called those responsible to order, nor did he use his elder position to plead with the Lagos State Government,” the Union said.

The Union compared Governor Sanwo-Olu’s actions to those of the former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, accusing both of notoriety in land grabbing and abuse of state power.

“Sanwo-Olu has become notorious in grabbing people’s lands, just like Nyesom Wike. They fail to understand that power is transient, and the consequences of taking over people’s properties are inevitable,” the group warned.

Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá called on Oba Akinolu to immediately intervene by calling Governor Sanwo-Olu to order, demanding the return of all seized ancestral lands to their rightful owners.

The group also demanded adequate compensation for victims who were allegedly subjected to violence, trauma, and loss of property, including families of those reportedly killed or injured during the operations.

“Some people have been killed by shock, others shot by Lagos task force operatives on their own properties. This is unacceptable.”

The Union further questioned the persistent use of force by the Lagos State Government to acquire property, asking how long authorities would continue to violate court orders with impunity.

“For how long will the Lagos State Government under Sanwo-Olu continue to violate court orders, when ordinary citizens who do the same are immediately issued bench warrants of arrest?” the group asked.

Invoking Yoruba cultural values, the Union lamented what it described as the erosion of the Ọmọlúàbí ethos—uprightness, dignity and moral responsibility.

“Yoruba people are known as Ọmọlúàbí, but those meant to protect this heritage are abusing it, subjecting people to slavery, taking their belongings at will, and avoiding accountability,” Yoruba Union said.

The group accused some traditional rulers of abandoning their duty to the people in favour of personal gain, alleging that political patronage and kickbacks have replaced moral leadership.

Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá warned that it would not remain silent in the face of continued oppression of Yoruba people, either within Nigeria or in the diaspora.

“If our traditional rulers have failed in their responsibilities, we will keep reminding them. If they refuse to act, we will take legal action to ensure that Yoruba people are not humiliated or turned into slaves in their fathers’ land,” the Union vowed.

The Union emphasised that traditional rulers are meant to be custodians of heritage, values and justice, but lamented that some modern monarchs have become self-centered and disconnected from the suffering of their subjects.

It also criticised selective relevance of traditional rulers—appearing only during election seasons to mobilise political support, while abandoning their people when homes and livelihoods are destroyed.

Quoting Yoruba proverbs, the group said elders must not sit idly while children suffer injustice, stressing that a king who betrays his people cannot enjoy peace.

The Union stressed that it holds traditional institutions in high esteem and does not intend to disrespect monarchs, but insists on holding them accountable to the people they are sworn to protect.

“We respect our monarchs, but respect does not mean silence in the face of injustice,” they added.