Oniba Debunks Attack Allegations, Calls For Peaceful Political Engagement
…Says Labour Party Perpetrators Are rogue elements
The palace of the Oniba of Iba Kingdom in Lagos State, Oba Sulaimon Raji, (Jafo), has strongly rejected allegations of violence against it, describing it as spurious and misleading claims from some elements within the Labour Party.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the monarch described the allegations as totally false, mischievous, and an attempt to malign his reputation and mislead the public.
According to a reliable source from the palace, “the events in question occurred when a campaign group affiliated with the Labour Party stormed the Iba Kingdom with dangerous weapons including cutlasses and firearms under the guise of conducting political campaigns ahead of the forthcoming local government elections.”
“Concerned about the security and peace of his domain, the Oniba, in his characteristic peaceful and democratic disposition, intervened to demand clarity on the group’s intentions and to inquire whether they had obtained proper approval from the appropriate authorities, particularly his office, as custodian of tradition and safety in the Kingdom. It was confirmed that the group had no such approval.
“The monarch, therefore, advised the group to go back and regularize their engagement procedures in accordance with due protocol and security guidelines. Shockingly, this patriotic and security-conscious intervention is what has now been twisted and spread on social media as an “attack” on the Labour Part,” the statement read.
It added: “Let the record be made clear: the Oniba of Iba Kingdom is a listening monarch, a progressive democrat, and a defender of peace and justice. He has no reason nor any history of standing in the way of legitimate political activity, regardless of party affiliation. However, he will never fold his arms when the peace and security of Iba Kingdom are being threatened under any guise.”
The palace therefore called on the public to disregard the fabricated narratives being promoted by mischief-makers. Political actors are advised to engage responsibly, follow due process, and shun violence or provocation in any form.
