Kirikiri Stool: Oba Akeju sues for peace, confirms High Chief Shabi as Baale

HRM Oba Taofeek Adegboyega Akeju, Awojo the third and the Alahun of Imoore and Apapa in Lagos, has confirmed the installation of Chief Babatunde Babalola Shabi as the Baale of Kirikiri.

Oba Akeju, who called for peace in the community explained that he installed Chief Shabi based on his track record and contribution to the development of the town and its environs.

Speaking to the newsmen in his palace, Oba Akeju said that the installation was in fairness and equity that as a good Muslim he was not ready to subvert justice.

He explained that Supreme Court judgment of December 12, 1975, affirmed Imoore and Apapa as the owner of Kirikiri town and that the King of Imoore and Apapa land had the authority to install the Baale of Kirikiri land. Kirikiri town is a cosmopolitan area with any tribes.

The Alahun of Imoore and Apapa Kingdom described Chief Shabi as a true son of Awori and qualified to be Baale over Kirikiri town in Awori land. Even all the three CDAs including the Kirikiri community and Elders forum testified to his good deeds with his antecedence and contributions to peace, progress and development of Kirikiri town.

He called on residents to be peaceful and law-abiding. He, also, advised all the warring factions to seek redress in the court of law instead of taking laws into their hands.

The Monarch, therefore, urged the people to continue to support Chief Babalola Babatunde Shabi as the only authentic Baale of Kirikiri town and Apapa.

The king further charged all residents to work harmoniously with chief Shabi for the peace and progress of the ancient town, adding that the residents of the community should shun all false information and illegal gatherings capable of causing chaos and disunity in the town.

It would be recalled that Chief Babatunde Babalola Shabi was installed as Baale of Kirikiri town by HRM Oba Taofeek Adegboyega Akeju and the appointment was certified by the council of chiefs and chieftaincy of Oriade LCDA IN Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos state.

Meanwhile, earlier this year, there were rumours that Oba Akiolu of Lagos was behind one of the Baaleship candidates in Kirikiri Town, a claim which the monarch had described as false because Oba Taofeek Adegboyega Akeju is the king that has the power to install the Baale of Kirikiri Town as he is the presiding king of the town, which was certified by all the kings and chiefs in the LCDA.

However, High Chief Shabi, has again called on the people and residents of Kirikiri town to support him in developing the community.