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By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Prince Mautin Ofade, Alhaji Mohammed Umar, Seriki of Badagry and Oba Sejiro James the King of Kweme |
Prince Mautin Ofade, a chief and advocate in Badagry, has insisted that Oba Sejiro James, the King of the Kweme Kingdom, installed the Seriki Fulani of Badagry after the monarch denied his involvement in the installation as nitizens challenged such a move.
This was disclosed on Ofade's official Facebook page on Friday, where he said the monarch had authorised the ceremony and that the historical context of the installation is questionable.
News Peddlers has earlier reported that Badagry monarch installed Seriki Fulani of Badagry, which had received a series of backlashes from netizens of Badagry. But the king had come out to deny his involvement, stating that the existence of Fulani in the area under his jurisdiction is historical.
Ofade, in his post, reads, "The controversy surrounding the installation of Seriki Fulani in Badagry has raised several concerns. The Aholu of Kweme Kingdom's statement that he did not install the Seriki Fulani has been met with skepticism, and many are questioning who authorized the turbaning ceremony.
The presence of representatives from the Sarkin Fulani of Lagos and the Chairman Council of Fulani Chiefs, South West at the ceremony has also raised eyebrows.
Why did the Aholu of Kweme attend the ceremony, especially if he did not authorize it, before such a ceremony will happen in his kingdom, they will inform or take permission from His Majesty.
There are also questions about the historical context of the Seriki Fulani installations in Badagry, explained by the Aholu of Kweme, dating back to 1960. It's uncertain whether the Badagry Local Government Area or the Lagos State government recognizes this Fulani chieftancy history.
The concerns about the security and future of the people of Sito Gbethrome are valid, especially considering past experiences in other communities.
The presentation of beads to the Seriki Fulani by the Aholu of Kweme has been interpreted as a royal endorsement, which could be seen as indirectly installing the Seriki Fulani.
To address these concerns, it's essential to clarify the following:
1. Indigenous Status: Are Fulani herdsmen in Sito Gbethrome the indigenous people of Sito Gbethrome or tenants?
2. Traditional Leadership: Who is the recognized traditional leader of Sito Gbethrome, and what is their stance on the installation of the Seriki Fulani?
Indirectly, creating two traditional authorities in Sito Gbethrome.
3. Installation Authority: Who authorized the installation of the Seriki Fulani, is the authorization from the Badagry West LCDA or Lagos State government?
4. Paramount Ruler: Is the Sarkin Fulani of Lagos and Chairman Council of Fulani Chiefs, South West the recognized Paramount Ruler of Badagry, or is it the Aholu (King) of Kweme that should install such in Sito Gbethrome, if necessary?
Ultimately, for those Traditional Rulers that attended such occasion it's very annoying. It's crucial for the Traditional Rulers, including (Aholu and Oba) (Kings) and Totagan/Baale, to prioritize the security and well-being of their people and avoid actions that could jeopardize their safety and that of their people and their traditions.
The Local and State governments should stop and cancel these illegal tribalistic chieftains or titles in Lagos State.
A stitch in time saves nine.
Let us all be proactive of the security and future of our people and protect our land from invasion.