By Desire Emmanuel
Tension seems to be brewing over the decision of the Badagry West Local Council Development Authority (LCDA) of Lagos State to suspend the ongoing Eze Ndi-Igbo palace project in the area, saying it is contrary to the laws of the state.
According to reliable source at the local council area, the decision followed reports of a letter issued under the name of Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo Traditional Ruling Council, Badagry West LCDA, soliciting public funds for the construction of a “new palace” and promoting the title Eze Ndi-Igbo of Badagry West LCDA.
It was gathered that in a statement responding to the request, and signed by Stephen Mesewaku, Head of Legal Services Unit of the LCDA, the council said the title Eze Ndi-Igbo is not recognised under the Obas and Chiefs Law of Lagos State and therefore holds no legal or traditional standing in the state.
“While the council recognises and appreciates the positive influence of the Igbo community in Badagry West LCDA, it will not allow any act or title that is alien to the laws of Lagos State to take root. Anything not known to law remains an illegality.” the statement added.
According to the source, the Chairman of the council, Mr. Rauf Ibrahim Kayode Yemaren, disclosed that Badagry West LCDA remains one of the most peaceful and ethnically accommodating councils in Lagos State, adding that such peace is built on respect for the rule of law and constituted authorities.
The council leadership added that all activities connected to the unauthorised palace project and the purported Eze Ndi-Igbo title have been ordered to stop immediately. The directive, it added, has been communicated to the Alapa of Apa Kingdom, the Akweno of Kweme Kingdom, the Area Commander, Nigeria Police, Area ‘K’ Command, and the Divisional Police Officer, Seme Division.
However, the decision by the council seems not to have gone down well with members of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the council as they have vowed to continue with the project and instal their own Eze Ndi-Igbo.
The source added that despite the fact that the council authorities have ordered a stoppage to the project, the members of the group have continued to solicit for funds for the completion of the palace,
Recall that recently, the government stopped the installation of Eze Ndi-Igbo in Ajao Estate.
