Oba Gbolahan Lawa,the 15th Oniru of Iru land,l has reiterated his stance against any form of violence, lawlessness and recourse to self-help and suspended two palace officials who fought with late Oniru’s son, Prince Tijani Oniru.
Oba Lawal’s stance which was contained in a statement issued from his media office today .
The Statement noted that reports had it that the team of palace officials led by one Prince Murisiku Ajasa was allegedly accosted by the said Prince Tijani Oniru and some other persons while the palace officials were on a routine inspection to supervise work being done by an inventory and enumeration group from the palace.
According to the Statement, in the ensuing heated argument, it was alleged that the said Prince Oniru slapped the leader of the palace officials who was also similarly alleged to have retaliated before the Police quickly intervened to prevent further escalation.
“The Oniru of Iruland HRM Oba Abdul Wasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, has been formally notified of this incident, and he has immediately ordered an investigation into both the incident and the conduct of the Palace officials.
“His Majesty has repeatedly stated that he would not tolerate or condone any acts of violence, lawlessness and recourse to self-help,” the statement averred.
The Statement further noted that the Oniru has ordered the suspension of the official involved in the incident pending further investigation by the Divisional Police Officer of Area J and the Area Commander just has he enjoined all parties to desists from all forms of violence but rather should uphold peace, law and order.
“Notwithstanding the provocative affront to the authority of the Oniru and desecration of 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 Iru Land. 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,” the statement added.
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.”
A viral video from the fight has now forced the Oniru of Iru to issue a statement to clarify the incident. In the statement, he revealed that the security man who beat Tijani has been suspended. He also said that Tijani attacks him first.
“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.”
