LAGOS — The Dosunmu Branch of the Onikoyi Royal Family has rejected the recent installation of Prince Ibikunle Fafunwa as the new Onikoyi of Ikoyi and Imoba Land, giving the Lagos State Government a two-week ultimatum to reverse the decision or face legal action.
The protest was announced at a press conference on Sunday at the Onikoyi Family House, Enu-Owa, Isale-Eko, Lagos Island, where Prince Ademola Onikoyi spoke on behalf of the family. He described the appointment as a violation of tradition, law, and fairness.
A week earlier, the state government had formally installed and presented the Staff of Office to Prince Fafunwa. However, the Dosunmu family insists that Prince Abdul Ganiyu Ayinla Adeniran Onikoyi is the rightful heir to the throne.
The family, alongside their legal representative, condemned the government’s action as a “grave injustice,” stating that it undermined the rotational succession structure legally recognised within the Onikoyi Royal Family. According to them, the family is made up of two ruling houses — the Muti Onikoyi Royal House and the Dosunmu Onikoyi Royal Family — with the chieftaincy rotating between them.
They argued that Chief Patrick Fafunwa of the Muti line held the Onikoyi title from 1996 until his death in 2023, following the reign of Chief Adamo Fagbemi Onikoyi from the Dosunmu branch between 1982 and 1995. With Fafunwa’s passing, the Dosunmu branch says it is now their turn to produce the next king.
The family said it had followed due process in nominating Prince Abdul Ganiyu Ayinla Adeniran Onikoyi, submitting all required documentation to the authorities. They expressed shock at the state’s decision to install the late king’s son, Ibikunle Fafunwa, whom they described as an imposition backed by unnamed powerful interests.
The family declared the appointment null and void and warned that they would take legal steps if the decision is not reversed within 14 days.
“This injustice has resonated far beyond our family,” Prince Ademola stated, adding that many Lagosians, both at home and abroad, have voiced their disapproval.
The family called on the Lagos State Government to reverse Fafunwa’s installation, respect the established succession order, and recognise Prince Abdul Ganiyu as the legitimate Onikoyi-elect. They also urged intervention from the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, and the general public.
“We will explore every legal and constitutional channel to ensure justice prevails. This is not just a Dosunmu issue — it is a Lagos issue. It is a justice issue,” the family said.
