The explanation why Tijani Oniru, Oniru Idowu Abiodun ‘s son of late Oba, was assaulted as seen in a video by some “security men” has emerged after it went viral on social media.
The fight is reportedly linked to the control of certain properties in highbrow Oniru, Lagos State’s Eti Osa Local Government Area worth billions of naira, which the children of former Oniru of Iruland continued to control after their father’s death.
Omogbolahan Lawal, who was installed as Iruland ‘s 15th Oniru last month, was alleged to have asked all banks housing funds belonging to the royal family to freeze all family accounts immediately, and also directed all tenants and lessees to stop transacting with any individual. The late monarch ‘s family, however, continued to exercise control over some of the properties that they claimed belonged to them and not to the royal family.
The brawl followed on Sunday morning after Tijani led his own men, as ordered by Oba Lawal, to beat up those posting notices about the properties under contention.
An eyewitness told Punch;
“On Sunday morning, the new Oniru’s boys went about posting public notices on some of the properties but TJ (Tijani) got his boys to beat them up and chase them away. Later in the day, as TJ was making his way into Millennium Estate, the boys regrouped and beat him up.”
Following the controversy the viral video ignited, one of the palace official who was seen fighting with Tijani Oniru has now been suspended. Oba Lawal who announced the palace official’s suspension in a statement released by his media office, also confirmed that Tijani Oniru attacked the palace officials first. An investigation is also being conducted.
The statement read;
“On Sunday, July 5, 2020, a rather regrettable incident occurred within the Oniru Estate Neighbourhood (close to Millennium Estate gate) which culminated in an altercation between some officials of Oniru’s palace and a group led by Prince Tijani Oniru.
“A team of palace officials led by Prince Murisiku Ajasa were allegedly accosted by Prince Tijani Oniru and some other persons. The palace officials were on a routine inspection to supervise the work being done by an inventory and enumeration group.
“In the ensuing heated argument, it was alleged that Prince Tijani Oniru slapped the leader of the palace officials who was also alleged to have retaliated. Fortunately, the police quickly intervened to prevent further escalation.
“Notwithstanding the provocative affront to the authority of the Oniru and desecration tradition, the Oniru warned palace officials to remain emotionally stable in the discharge of their duties even in the face of provocation. In addition, he sees no reason or excuse for violence in Iruland.
“Consequently, kabiyesi has directed the palace administrator to immediately suspend the official involved in the incident pending full investigation. His majesty enjoins all parties to desist from all forms of violence and uphold peace, law and order.”
