The Yoruba Union, popularly known as Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, has expressed concerns against Yoruba monarch, Oba Fatai Oyegbemi Aromire, the Ojora of Ijora, accusing him of unleashing thugs to harass residents, seize properties, and extort homeowners and tenants in Lagos State.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its Convener, Olusola Badero, the group condemned the systematic campaign of intimidation in Ajegunle, Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area, and Ifelodun LCDA, where residents reportedly woke up to chaos orchestrated by the monarch’s agents.
According to the union, Oba Fatai’s loyalists demanded an annual payment of ₦5000 per householdunder the guise of “royalties,” a levy the group described as illegal, exploitative, and contrary to Yoruba cultural values.
They further alleged that refusal to comply resulted in violent evictions, property destruction, and threats to lives.
“Yoruba heritage is not for sale and must never be dragged in the mud of personal greed,” they said.
“We are custodians of purity and uphold the dignity of the Yoruba race. Our people are not beggars, and we refuse to become slaves to our stomachs because of unscrupulous individuals hiding under the sacred throne of kingship.”
Badero insisted that the traditional stool of the Yoruba people is meant to symbolise ntegrity, protection and cultural pride, not to be weaponised against the very subjects it is sworn to safeguard.
He lamented that the once-reverred sanctity of Yoruba monarchs was being eroded by individuals who prioritise personal enrichment over communal welfare.
The group warned that if unchecked, such actions could deepen distrust between traditional institutions and the people, further destabilising communities already grappling with poverty and insecurity.
They urged Yoruba leaders, cultural custodians, and government authorities to intervene immediately to protect residents from what they described as “modern-day slavery enforced through royal intimidation.”
“Those who exploit the Yoruba throne for selfish gain are enemies of our people and should be treated as such,” the Yoruba Union said.
“We call on all Yoruba sons and daughters, at home and in the diaspora, to speak up against this abuse before it becomes normalised.”
Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá further alleged that for years, the Oba’s thugs had terroriterrorised munity, collecting ₦5000 annually from homeowners and tenants, only to later resell their properties without consent.
The union also revealed that the Oba’s agents recently destroyed the home of a medically vulnerable stroke patient, removing the roof in order to forcefully evict the occupant.
According to Badero, “Our institution is not for sale, and our heritage should not be ridiculed because of a monarch who has become a slave to his belly and has no respect for his subjects. Gone are the days when the throne of the Oba was sacred and respected.
“Those who are now being installed as kings in Yorubaland have sold the integrity of the race for peanuts. We are Omo Akin — we are not cowards, neither are we beggars. Why should someone who does not deserve the seat of kingship subject people under his watch to hardship and agony, just so he can live large at the expense of the oppressed?”
The Yoruba Union is demanding the immediate end to forced evictions, roof removals, seizures, and property destruction targeting vulnerable residents.
Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá also called on Oba Fatai Ojora to return all seized properties and fully compensate the victims.
The union further urged the Lagos State Government to conduct an independent investigation that would lead to legal consequences for extortion, illegal evictions and the destruction of people’s properties.
Source: Sahara TV
