The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a man for allegedly parading himself as the Olu of Ikeja and impersonating a traditional ruler without lawful authority.
The suspect was reportedly apprehended following a petition alleging conspiracy, impersonation and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
A police source told the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday that the suspect allegedly proclaimed himself as the new Olu of Ikeja and was purportedly installed by a group of individuals.
According to the source, the petition was received by the police on July 28 from the Association of African Traditional Religion, Nigeria and Overseas, through a covering letter endorsed by the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu.
The petition was subsequently endorsed by the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Mr Fatai Tijani, for discreet investigation.
The source said the alleged installation ceremony was conducted without the authorisation of the Lagos State Government.
He added that during the ceremony, the suspect was reportedly adorned with a beaded crown and other royal regalia traditionally associated with a crowned Yoruba king.
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The development raised concerns among authorities over the alleged impersonation of the traditional ruler of Ikeja Kingdom and the possibility of the action causing a breach of public peace.
Following the petition, the case was assigned to the General Investigation Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Panti, Lagos, for investigation under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr Dayo Akinbisehin.
The source said detectives initially served invitation letters on the suspect, but he allegedly failed to honour the invitations on several occasions.
Investigators subsequently obtained a warrant for his arrest, after which the suspect was apprehended and taken into police custody.
The police said detectives had commenced further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged installation and the identities and roles of those involved.
The suspect is currently assisting investigators and is expected to be charged to court after the conclusion of the investigation, according to the police source.
The command said the case highlights the SCID’s commitment to employing discreet and intelligence-led policing in handling sensitive matters and preventing actions capable of threatening public order.
NAN
