Oba Omogbolahan Lawal, the 15th Oniru of Iru land, has given reasons for the attack suffered by Tijani Oniru, the son of late Oba of Oniru Idowu Abiodun.
The fight is connected to some properties worth billions of Naira in Oniru, Eti Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The properties which are under the control of the children of the late monarch of the town had had bank account connected to them ordered to be frozen by the new monarch.
This didn’t stop the family of the former monarch from exercising control over some of them which they claim belongs to them, not the royal family.
Some men ordered by Oba Lawal to post notices on the properties were beaten by men hired by Tijani.
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.”