By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Olufemi Sewanu Iroko |
BADAGRY, LAGOS – Olufemi Sewanu Iroko a prominent social activist and accountability advocate, has publicly addressed and vehemently refuted a recent statement seeking to question his indigenous status and disown him from the Iroko family name in Badagry, Lagos State.
The controversy emerged after a public statement, purportedly from an individual within one of the several Iroko lineages attempted to challenge Mr. Iroko's roots in the community. Known for his crusade for transparent governance and community development, Iroko had initially remained silent but chose to speak to News Peddlers in an exclusive conversation to set the record straight with incontrovertible facts about his heritage.
"First of, Nigerian constitution does not recognize indigeneship but citizenship. However, there are judicial interpretations and administrative (local government) position on who an indigene of a community is," Iroko began, establishing the legal framework for the discussion. He clarified that indigeneship is simply defined by paternal or maternal lineage to original settlers or through endorsement by community leaders.
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Delving into the history of the Ogu people, Iroko provided context, stating, "Every ogu man has its root traced to Dahomey (modern Benin). The Ogu people now have settlements in Badagry and surrounding areas like Makoko and some parts of Ipokia, Ogun state." This historical migration, he explained, creates a web of interconnected familial claims across the region.
With pride, Iroko outlined his deep paternal roots. "If I were to contest for councilor today, I am one of the few people that have multiple options," he stated. "Paternal- I was born in Depeko/Toyi Compound/quarters, Ajara Isalu which my father and grandparent are from."
He elaborated that his father served as chairman of the Depekoh quarters youth forum for years and remains an executive of the family forum, a lineage in which he himself has actively participated.
His maternal lineage, he revealed, is equally formidable. "My mother is from Ajara Topa- her maternal side linked with the Owolabanis. In fact, my early days as a toddler was in the Owolabani compound." He further connected his maternal paternal side to Tofunko compound in Ajara Topa, with an ancestral home at Hougbonou, Cotonou.
Beyond mere lineage, Iroko emphasized a lifetime of lived experience. "I myself grew up at Aganmathen with my parents at least for 30 years, where my father till date still plays active role in the cabinet affairs of Ajara Aganmathen kingdom my grandfather is the the High Chief Ponfon of Ajara Topa Kingdom."
With pride, Iroko outlined his deep paternal roots. "If I were to contest for councilor today, I am one of the few people that have multiple options," he stated. "Paternal- I was born in Depeko/Toyi Compound/quarters, Ajara Isalu which my father and grandparent are from." The Depeko lineage extends to Ajara Lopo and Ogu speaking part of Ipokia in Ogun state just across the Lagos-Ogun water body at my backyard in Salu.
"So, you see my options are numerous if I were to run for any public office, from Salu, to Lopo, to Ipokia, to Aganmathen, to Topa, down to Cotonou. Omo ile ni mi," he declared, using the Yoruba phrase meaning "I am a child of the soil." He contrasted this with others who, he implied, discover their roots later in life.
Addressing the specific issue of his surname directly, Iroko was unequivocal. "As for the name I choose as surname, whether IROKO or not, nobody has monopoly of any name... no one has right as the sole user of a name."
He explained that his family name has evolved over time and that as a matter of choice and custom, he can choose any name from his ancestral lineage to build his own brand. "The name I choose to answer as part of my full name is my choice," he stated firmly.
"With all sense of humility, the names did not make me but God, the culture, ethics and character instilled by my family and ancestors," he added, grounding his identity in values rather than mere nomenclature.
He confirmed his official standing, saying, "As at today and as it has been from my birth, my last name is IROKO and certificate of family identification is Depekoh Compound, Ajara Salu, Badagry Local Government." He concluded this point with a sharp rebuke to his critics: "If some people feel intimidated, unfortunately for them, they have no control over my choice of name."
Finally, Iroko placed the issue in a broader national context, noting that such challenges are not uncommon in Nigerian politics. "Same was said of the President that he was from Osun state, yet he was Lagos Governor for 8years... Same was said of Obafemi Hamzat... Same was said of Yayi, interestingly he served as a Lagos Senator and now serving as an Ogun Senator."
To further confirm that Olufemi Sewanu Iroko, is and indigen of Badagry a statement has been released by Toyi and Kuawonnu Family which reads:
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN LETTER OF IDENTIFICATION/RECOMMENDATION
This is to certify that MR. OLUFEMI SEWANU IROKO was born at Depekoh Compound Isalu, Badagry. His father ELDER IROKO is part and parcel of Depekoh Compound in the same Ajara Isalu; and his Grandparent hail from Toyi and Kuawonnu Rulling Houses.
His Mother DEACONESS IROKO is the laughter of HIGH CHIEF POFON of Ajara Topa Kingdom (avid Whesikende - Egini - 7 Power) and MADAM WHETEGBE KOTIN of Asagoh Compound, Ajara Topa from Tofonkoh Compound, Ajara Topa, Badagry.
In view of this, we have no doubt in identifying him or recommending him to anyone who may require his services or attention as he is a SON of Depekoh Compound Isalu, Badagry.
Yours faithfully,
By drawing these parallels, Olufemi Iroko framed the attempt to question his indigeneship as a common political tactic, effectively neutralizing the criticism and reinforcing his position as a proud and legitimate son of Badagry and the wider Ogu land.
