•By Alabi Ade
In response to the recent petition leveled against Alhaji Abiodun Isola Ejigbadero, we feel compelled to present a comprehensive rebuttal to the allegations and shed light on the true events that transpired.
Firstly, it is crucial to acknowledge Ejigbadero’s esteemed lineage and his longstanding contribution to the development of Alimosho local government area of Lagos. As a descendant of the Late Chief Jimoh Ishola Ejigbadero, his family’s legacy of land ownership spans generations, with a significant tract of land measuring 1060 acres under their stewardship.
Contrary to the insinuations made, Ejigbadero’s engagement with roadside traders around Iyana-Ipaja market has been characterized by transparency and mutual benefit. His provision of spaces to these traders has not only facilitated economic activity but has also resulted in the collection of royalties, a practice that predates the tenure of the current Council Chairman, Hon. Sulaimon Jelili.
While Ejigbadero and Jelili were once allies, political differences arose, leading to their estrangement. However, it is imperative to dispel any notion of malfeasance on Ejigbadero’s part. The unexplainable move to stop Ejigbadero from the collection of his age-long market royalty without due process is unfounded and baseless, and one intended solely to tarnish his reputation.
Similarly, the involvement of Chief Adedayo Oki, the Baale of Oki Village, in the dispute over land ownership reflects a long-standing legal battle that culminated in a High Court judgment affirming the Ejigbadero family’s rightful ownership. Oki’s opposition stems from his fear of losing his chieftaincy stool, rather than any legitimate claim to the land.
The purported union between Jelili and Oki, orchestrated to undermine Ejigbadero’s standing, reeks of political opportunism and personal vendettas. Their concerted efforts to thwart Ejigbadero’s collection of market royalties, facilitated by the recruitment of individuals like Adedayo Omotolani, aka Danger, epitomize a campaign of harassment and intimidation.
The events of April 16, 2024, marked a reprehensible escalation, with armed thugs unleashed upon the market, causing mayhem and resulting in the tragic death of Michael Ajayi. It is evident that the orchestrators of this violence, including Danger, Oki, and Jelili, bear responsibility for this senseless loss of life.
In conclusion, we vehemently reject the baseless allegations leveled against Alhaji Abiodun Isola Ejigbadero. We urge the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the true perpetrators of violence and hold them accountable for their actions. Justice must prevail, and the truth shall ultimately vindicate Ejigbadero’s innocence.
