Violence in Lekki over chieftaincy stool

Olalekan Olabulo, Lagos - 13.02.2008

Several people were between Sunday and Tuesday injured during protests and violence in Ibeju Leki in the Lekki area of Lagos State over the installation of a traditional ruler in the area.

Women in the area also on Monday marched in the major streets and quarters of the town semi-naked in protest against the installation of Oba Rafiu Bamidele Salami as the traditional ruler of the town.

The monarch had a few days ago appeared before the state House of Assembly over a series of petitions written against him by some aggrieved members of the community who were opposed to his choice as their traditional ruler.

The situation grew out of control on Sunday as aggrieved opponents of Oba Salami clashed with some loyalists of the monarch, throwing the entire community into confusion.

The mayhem continued on Monday as fresh and reprisal attacks from the two groups paralysed all activities in the community, forcing the residents of the town to run for cover.

Nigerian Tribune gathered that various weapons were freely used by members of both factions who inflicted serious injuries one another.

Nigerian Tribune also gathered that the police in the state had arrested about 20 people in connection with the mayhem which had led to the loss of property worth millions of naira.

Efforts by the Nigerian Tribune to reach the acting Public Relations Officer r of the state police command, Olumide Jimoh, on the incident were futile as he was said to be attending a seminar while his mobile line was unavailable.

The monarch could also not be reached at the time of filing in this report as he was said to be in a crucial meeting when the Nigerian Tribune called his mobile phone.