Yoruba Union Calls For Investigation Into Alleged Assault On Traditionalists By Lagos Monarch

Ikeja, Lagos State– Yoruba Union, operating under the umbrella of Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorúbá, has demanded an investigation by the Commissioner of the Lagos State Police Command and the Inspector General of Police into a reported assault on Iya Osun Agbebi Adekunle Salawe and her fellow traditionalists.

The group described Oba Saliu as a “wicked monarch” who allegedly perpetrates injustices against his own people.

In a statement released on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, by the convener, Olusola Oluwaseyi Badero, said that”This attack is not just an assault on individuals but an affront to the entire Yoruba community and our rich cultural traditions.”

“Igbimó Majekobaje of Ilé-Yorùbá will not tolerate any intimidation, assault, or threats against the Yorùbá people in Yorùbá land, whether from traditional rulers or politicians. Oba Babatunde Saliu, who should have been protecting the Yorùbá people, is instead the one assaulting and intimidating them in public.”

“Ọba Babatunde Saliu did not deserve to ascend the throne as one of the Yorùbá kings, especially given his actions toward the Yorùbá race and traditionalists who have been fortifying our land against evil. They were molested on Sunday by the thugs he used as security guards.”

“We will not tolerate the molestation of our people by Ọba Babatunde Saliu and his thugs. Based on this, we call on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, and the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Mr. Adegoke Fayoade, to thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure that the monarch is arrested for prosecution.”

Badero added that the Monarch is in his comfort zone, enjoying life with his wife, while Akogun Adewale Adekunle, the husband of Iya Osun, is running helter-skelter to save his wife, who has been in a coma since Sunday night.

“Our traditionalists are also symbols of our heritage as Yorùbá people; therefore, we won’t fold our hands and watch some unmerited and acclaimed traditional rulers humiliate our heritage.”

“We call on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State to thoroughly investigate this matter. He should not allow Ọba Babatunde’s actions to incite chaos in Lagos State. All members of the traditionalist community are prepared to pursue justice for Iya Osun through any means necessary,” he said.

He urges the traditionalists in the state to exercise patience and seek justice through the right channels, as the Union is also ready to use all the power in its arsenal to ensure that all assaulted Yorùbá people get justice.

Badero calls on Yorùbá people abroad and at home to show solidarity with Iya Osun and her fellow traditionalists who were assaulted by Ọba Babatunde Saliu.