By Promise Eze
Some members of the Oloto family have pettitioned the Lagos State Government over issues surrounding the vacant Oloto Tool.
In an open letter addressed to the state governor, Babajide Sanwoolu, on the 13th of February, the aggrieved family members noted that the Lagos state government was about to install one Mr Bashiru Oloto without recourse to the laws guiding the throne of the Oloto of Otto stool.
It urged the state government not to allow for any unlawful installment to the throne.
The letter was signed by the President of the Oloto Royal Family Mr Bunmi Akinyemi and co-issued by the secretary Dr Akinlade Babafemi.
Recall that the Senator for Lagos Central, Oluremi Tinubu, has been accused of attempting to impose one of her aides as successor to the throne.
“The stool of the Oloto of Otto in Lagos Mainland LGA was declared vacant for the next Ruling house to present a candidate via a public notice issued by the Lagos Mainland LGA in August 2016 on heels of the mandatory three months mourning period of the last Oba who died on 18th of May 2016.
“While the aspiring Princes are busy contesting the nomination or perceived selection of their adversaries in the various and hallowed chambers of justice- the courts of the land, a strange development filtered in that the Lagos state government was about to install one Mr Bashiru Oloto without recourse to the laws guiding the throne of the Oloto of Otto stool or the Government white paper of the standing tribunal on chieftaincy matters.
“The rumours have become so persistent that various positions of the state of the legal challenge had been written to the state government by the various counsels to the aspiring Princes who are increasingly mindful of the boasts and such illegal acts.
“There were press conferences and peaceful protests to reiterate that the Baalo Ruling house is not ready relinquish it’s turn to any one or any other ruling house for that matter.The said Mr Bashiru Oloto is believed to be a domestic assistant to a serving Politician who is closely related to a prominent member of the Ruling party,” part of the statement reads.
It further pleaded with the state government owe ito prevent a breakdown of law and order by not succumbing to any unjust imposition.
“The cases in court should be allowed to run their course if a peaceful settlement cannot be found. On our own part we will continue to be law abiding and work and pray for peace to reign in the family,” the statement read.
