New Ikeja King Emerges After Fierce Tussle

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

There was a twist during the tussle over who becomes the king (Olu) of Ikeja after the three brothers eyeing the stool refused to step down for one another in Lagos State, Nigeria.
The royal family dumped the feuding brothers and nominated Prince Tajudeen Muritala Osooja as their candidate for the stool.
Following the demise of Oba Rauf Adeniyi Aremu Matanmi about two years ago, the kingdom was thrown into crises over who should occupy the throne.
The tussle made it impossible to have a replacement after the demise of Matanmi and Ikeja kingdom was without a king since then.
However, the tussle seems to have been laid to rest following the decision of Osooja Ruling House in Ikeja to nominate Prince Osooja recently.
The nomination of Osooja as king was contained in a letter sent to the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode and copied to the Oba of Lagos, Oba Riliwan Akiolu, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, traditional rulers and government agencies in both state and local government in the state to ratify their decision.
The letter stated that the Osooja Royal Family and the ruling house of Ikeja in a meeting held on 29 August, 2016 which was attended by the elders, principal members, youths and members of the community,  agreed to nominate Prince Tajudeen Muritala Osooja as the Omo Oye and eligible candidate for the vacant stool of Olu of Ikeja Land.
The letter was attached with the minutes of their last meeting held at their family house at 53, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja, where the decision was taken.
The letter was also signed by the secretary of the ruling house, Prince Jamiu Obidairo.
Obidairo said it was the decision of the entire ruling house and explained that the ruling house has started planning for his coronation while seeking the collaboration of the state government.
Prince Osooja also confirmed the development and said he has accepted the offer and will serve his people with fear of God.