Members of the Onikoyi royal lineage on Lagos Island have issued a stern warning against what they describe as a blatant attempt by Prince Kunle Fafunwa—youngest son of the late Oba Ibikunle Fafunwa—to unilaterally claim the Onikoyi stool. They argue that this move directly violates the legally binding 2006 Onikoyi Chieftaincy Declaration, which enshrines rotational succession across ten recognized royal branches.
👑 What the Family Says
At a press briefing, Prince Olayinka Abidemi Onikoyi of the Aluko Ajose branch emphasized that the Onikoyi stool must follow an orderly rotation, per the Declaration approved by Bola Tinubu when he was Lagos Governor in 2006. All ten royal houses—including Fafunwa, Ojubira, Kubayije, and Dosunmu—have supposedly agreed on the next candidate, drawn from the Ojubira branch.
Alhaja Fausat Alli Onikoyi echoed this position, noting that Prince Kunle’s bid defies the rotational system. She accused him of undermining family unity, disrespecting the broader royal lineage, and disregarding the agreed legal process. She also alleged mismanagement of family assets, including the unauthorized sale of land and displays of excessive opulence—luxury cars and houses others struggle to access .
⚖️ Governance Backed by Law
The family cited the 2006 Declaration, reinforced by court rulings, as a binding statute across branches. They argue that any attempt to override this rotational order is unlawful and threatens the stability and credibility of traditional authority.
Moreover, past court decisions clearly identify only the Muti and Dosunmu houses as eligible to occupy the stool in strict alternation. The current dispute arises because the Fafunwa (Muti) branch, which supplied the late Oba, must now wait until it is their turn again under the agreed system.
🏛️ Call to Authorities
The Onikoyi family appealed to key stakeholders—Lagos State Government, Eti-Osa Local Government, and the Obas and Chiefs Council—to enforce the rotational provision and halt any unauthorized ascendancy. They emphasized that adherence to the Declaration is critical to prevent factionalism and uphold the tradition that Tinubu and the state executive formally recognized.
💡 Why This Matters
Traditional chieftaincy positions like the Onikoyi stool are more than ceremonial—they anchor social stability, land allocation, cultural practices, and community trust in governance. Undermining established rules risks fracturing the royal family and stirring discord among Lagos residents.
The family warns that ignoring the Declaration could lead to legal challenges, societal unrest, and weaken the moral authority of the stool. They argue this isn’t just a family squabble—it’s a test of Lagos’s rule-of-law and respect for tradition.
🏁 Conclusion
The Onikoyi royal family’s firm stance highlights a clash between legal tradition and individual ambition. While Prince Kunle’s intentions remain unconfirmed, the collective voice of ten royal branches, backed by statutory and judicial precedent, speaks loudly.
Voice of Lagos asks: Should Lagos enforce the 2006 Declaration to guide the Onikoyi succession? Or is reform needed? Have your say—comment below!
