Yoruba Union Seeks Visa Ban, Accuses Oworonshoki Monarch Of Using Police, Thugs To Intimidate Residents, Demands Release Of Three Detained Persons

Ikeja,  Lagos State– The Yoruba Union, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, has issued a strong warning to the Oba of Oworonshoki, Oba Babatunde Saliu, accusing him of abusing his authority and using both the Nigeria Police and community security outfits to terrorise residents under his watch.

The group warned that history would record his reign as one marked by intimidation, oppression, and betrayal of Yoruba values.

In a statement released on Saturday, signed by the Convener, Olusola Badero, and the Home Director, Princess Balogun, the union expressed deep concern over what it described as “a pattern of tyranny” by the monarch, alleging that he has consistently used thugs and local security operatives to harass, assault, and unlawfully detain members of his community who question his actions or policies.

The Yoruba Union specifically demanded the immediate release of three residents — Bashiru Olaleye, Esther Koja, and Sabitiu Woussa — currently held at Ikoyi Prison.

They also called for the arrest and prosecution of Rasak Arogundade, the head of Mandanwo Local Security, and his team, who were allegedly responsible for the assault on Olaleye and other community members.

The group alleged that these individuals were unjustly targeted for not aligning with the interests of Oba Saliu.

According to the statement, the monarch’s high-handedness and disregard for due process have sown division within the Oworonshoki community.

“Oba Saliu has chosen to rule through fear and intimidation rather than compassion and understanding.

“He is sowing a seed of discord that his children and grandchildren will live to regret, regardless of their influence or position in society.”

The union further accused Oba Saliu of collaborating with corrupt police officers to imprison residents based on fabricated charges.

It alleged that his interference in community disputes often favours people loyal to his palace, leaving ordinary residents without protection or justice.

The group also recounted past incidents that raised alarm about the monarch’s conduct. One such case involved Mrs. Ajanlekeko, a victim of the 2023 Oworonshoki demolition, who reportedly protested against the Lagos State Government’s actions under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The statement alleged that the woman was dragged to Oba Saliu’s palace and threatened for speaking out.

“In the history of the Yoruba race, we are known as Omoluabi— people of honour and integrity who open their arms to others and provide refuge for the needy.

“It is therefore heartbreaking to see traditional rulers like Oba Saliu betraying these values, turning their thrones into tools of oppression rather than symbols of protection and unity,” the union said.

The Yoruba Union lamented that several traditional rulers have abandoned their sacred duty to protect their people, choosing instead to align with corrupt elements for personal gain.

“It is unfortunate that some of our monarchs now weaponise the police and local security agencies to advance their selfish interests. These actions are a direct affront to the heritage and dignity of the Yoruba people,” the group added.

The organisation vowed not to remain silent in the face of injustice, declaring that it would take both local and international action against any traditional ruler who exploits his position to harm his people.

“Henceforth, petitions will be submitted to the United Kingdom, the United States, the United Nations, and the European Union against traditional rulers like Oba Saliu who use their offices to terrorise residents,” they said.

Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá called on the Oba to immediately order the release of the detained individuals and to desist from further acts of intimidation.

It also urged international communities to impose visa bans on him and his family, warning that his alleged abuses would be documented and preserved for future generations as evidence of his failure to uphold the dignity of his ancestral throne.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to defending Yoruba people across all territories, stressing that traditional institutions must return to their original purpose — fostering peace, justice, and development within communities, not oppression.