By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Copy of Igbo community letter and Chief Mautin |
BADAGRY, LAGOS STATE – A fresh cultural and political storm is brewing in the historic town of Badagry, Lagos State as a prominent chief has raised a vehement alarm over a formal request from the Igbo community for financial support to build an "Igbo palace."
The controversy stems from a letter dated October 25, 2025, addressed to community leaders and signed by Eze Joseph Omokachie and other officials of the Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo, Badagry West LCDA. The document, seen by our correspondent, appeals for a N15 million financial contribution to support a "new palace project at Game Mivo" in conjunction with the New Yam Festival 2025.
In a strongly worded reaction titled "Abomination In Ogu (Egun) Land," Chief Mautin Ofade has called on the Badagry West LCDA Chairman, Hon. Rauf Ibrahim Yemaren, and traditional rulers—the Aholu of Apa and the Aholu of Kweme kingdoms—to take immediate action. Chief Ofade expressed profound dismay, stating that the Igbo community's attempt to erect a "palace" for a leader who is not a recognized Aholu (traditional ruler) of the land is unacceptable and a cause for great concern for the entire Badagry Division.
Chief Ofade further argued that such a move would not be tolerated by the Igbo in their own southeastern homeland and accused the group of taking the host community's "humility and respect for granted." He warned that the action could potentially incite a communal clash and has urgently petitioned higher authorities, including the Governor of Lagos State and the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA), to halt the project immediately.
This highlights the delicate interplay of culture, land rights, and ethnic relations in modern Nigeria. As of now, there has been no public response from the Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo, Badagry West chapter, to Chief Ofade's allegations. The situation places local government authorities in a sensitive position, tasked with mediating the conflict to preserve the peace in Badagry while navigating complex traditional and contemporary governance structures.