‘Trouble brewing…’ Prince Tijani, palace officials engage in fisticuffs (Videos, photos)

Freelanews July 6, 2020

In new viral video making the rounds in the media, palace officials numbering over twelve and allegedly acting under the instruction of the new Oniru of Iruland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal (Abisogun II), descended on Prince Tijani Oniru.

Prince Tijani Oniru is a brother to Prince Segun Oniru, one of the contenders for the Oniru stool and the children of the immediate departed Oniru before the latter became king.

It was alleged that trouble started when property belonging to the former Oniru’s family was sealed as shown in the photos below and the young prince demanded under whose authority such was carried out.

Recall Freelanews reported in November 2019 that the race for who became the next Oniru of Iruland after the demise of His Royal Highness Idowu Abiodun Oniru was neck to neck between Aremo Segun Oniru, the eldest son of the immediate past Oba Oniru from the Akiogun Ruling House and Hakeem Ajasa, from Abisogun Ruling House and a former Chief Security Officer of the current Speaker of the House of Representatives before the kingmakers finally settled for Oba Lawal.

An eye witness claimed the prince was beaten due to his indiscretions and disrespect to Oba Lawal.

“When Prince Tijani was informed that it was oba (the new Oniru) that sent them to lock up the property, he disrespectfully demanded who Gbolahan was. This must have angered the thugs,” the source claimed.

Not really happy by this, Prince Demola and Sola Oniru were also seen attacked in separate video as seen below when they visited Oba Lawal’s palace to resolve the issue.

However, in its response, the Oniru palace has called for peace. According to a release signed by the media office of Oniru of Iruland, which also didn’t dwell on the reason for the disturbance, enjoined all parties to desist from all forms of violence.

“Yesterday afternoon Sunday 05 July 2020, a rather regrettable incident occurred within the Oniru Estate neighbourhood, (close to Millennium Estate Gates) 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 routine inspection to supervise the work being done by an Inventory & 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.

“The Oniru of Iruland HRM Oba Abdul Wasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, has been formally notified of this incident, and he has immediately ordered an investigation into both the incident and the conduct of the Palace officials.

“His Majesty has repeatedly stated that he would not tolerate or condone any acts of violence, lawlessness and recourse to self-help.

“Notwithstanding the provocative affront to the authority of the Oniru and desecration of 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 Iru Land. 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.

“His Royal Majesty restates his commitment to allow the law of the land to take it full course in this incident notwithstanding the palace administrative actions that have been taken so far.

“His Majesty also awaits the outcome of investigation currently being undertaken by the Office of the Police Area Commander. Area J and DPO of the Maroko Area,” the release was quoted.

The source opined that the new Oniru should endeavour to call the three royal families to amicably resolve whatever the issues are for sake of the community.

“The only way forward is for HRH, Oba Gbolahan Lawal, to ensure that the families entitlements are given to them and provide room for amicable resolution of all agitations,” our source advised.