By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Oba Sulaiman Raji Ashade (Jafo Authority) |
Tensions flared in Iba Town, Ojo Local Government Area, as the traditional ruler, Oba Sulaiman Raji Ashade (Jafo Authority), allegedly led an attack on Labour Party members during a campaign rally.
The Labour Party Campaign team entered Iba town on Saturday at about 5:17pm. Where the Kabiesi Allegedly denied them access.
According to eyewitnesses, the monarch, alongside his brother Jelili Ashade and a photographer identified as Smart, physically assaulted the party’s chairmanship candidate, Hon. Olumayowa Abudu-Akogun, and seized a camera from his cameraman all under the watch of police officers attached to the king.
The incident has sparked fears of escalating political violence ahead of local elections.
Hon. Abudu-Akogun, addressing journalists after the attack, accused the monarch of blocking his campaign team from entering Iba Town, declaring it an "APC stronghold." He claimed the king warned them against causing trouble before allegedly ordering the assault.
“The king himself and his boys took the camera away, and he has police guarding him,” Abudu-Akogun stated.
The retired soldier-turned-politician warned that if authorities fail to intervene, he may resort to self-help to protect his supporters. He also referenced past incidents, alleging that the monarch used traditional Oro rites to intimidate opponents during previous elections.
When contacted for comment, Kabiesi vehemently denied the allegations. “With my calibre, I will go and beat somebody?” the king retorted during a phone conversation.
When confronted with claims that he was captured on video at the scene, he dismissed it as fabricated. “That must have been a fake video. There is nothing like that in Iba Town. I don’t have a problem with anybody,” he insisted.
His denial has further fueled controversy, with critics questioning the impartiality of traditional rulers in political processes.
The involvement of police officers attached to the monarch has raised concerns about law enforcement’s role in political intimidation.
Abudu-Akogun accused the police of standing by during the attack, suggesting collusion between security forces and the traditional institution. Civil society groups have called for an independent investigation, urging the Lagos State Government and the Inspector General of Police to prevent further escalation. Political analysts warn that such incidents could undermine democratic participation in the region.
When Lagos State Police complaints unit was contacted, the unit said the office is not aware of such incident.