The Eletu Odibo Chieftaincy Family of Lagos Island has formally petitioned Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, urging him to intervene in the ongoing dispute surrounding the selection of a new Eletu Odibo and to prevent Prince Ajibade Ayeni from parading himself as the Eletu Odibo-elect.

Through their legal representative, Mr. A. R. Fatoki, the family submitted a letter dated April 24, 2025, reinforcing two prior correspondences to the state government in which they protested the alleged imposition of a candidate without due process.

The petition was jointly signed by key accredited representatives of the chieftaincy family, including Chief Rashidi Onilere-Eletu, Alhaji Abdulrahmon Mogaji, Mr. Olayemi Agiri, Chief Fatai Adio Lawal, and Mr. Murufudeen Lawal-Eletu Odibo.

In the letter, the family appealed to Governor Sanwo-Olu to halt what they described as the “deceitful and disrespectful” actions of Prince Ayeni, warning that his continued impersonation of the Eletu Odibo-elect undermines centuries-old cultural and traditional practices tied to the highly revered chieftaincy stool.

They noted that the Eletu Odibo title is historically significant, particularly within the Obaship institution of Isale-Eko, stating that the role plays a crucial part in the installation process of the Oba of Lagos. The family comprises 14 recognized branches, and any selection to the title, they emphasized, must follow established customs including consultation of the Ifa oracle and consensus among accredited representatives.

According to the petitioners, the recent attempt by a single individual identified as the Ologun-Ide of Lagos and a member of just one of the 14 branches—to install Prince Ayeni without the support of the wider family or the Olori Ebi (head of the family) is both irregular and unacceptable.

The family's legal counsel further stated that the impersonator lacks any legitimate ancestral ties to the Eletu Odibo Chieftaincy lineage. “It is a matter of record, and currently under judicial scrutiny, that the ancestry of Prince Ayeni’s grandfather, Alhaji Rafiu Saka, is being challenged in court,” Fatoki noted, referencing the ongoing case (Suit No: LD/4135LM/2022).

The petition also highlighted that the family has repeatedly disclaimed any blood relationship with Prince Ayeni through several public notices, affirming their rejection of his claim to the title.

They concluded by urging the governor to take decisive action to preserve the sanctity of the Eletu Odibo institution and uphold the integrity of Lagos Island’s traditional heritage.