By Peter Dansu The Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has halted an unauthorized “Eze Ndi-Igbo Palace Project” allegedly bei...
The Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has halted an unauthorized “Eze Ndi-Igbo Palace Project” allegedly being initiated by some Igbo residents in the area, following widespread public criticism and concern expressed on social media.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Executive Chairman of Badagry West LCDA, Hon. Rauf Ibrahim Kayode Yemaren (RIKAY), ordered the immediate suspension of all activities connected to the proposed palace and any fundraising efforts linked to the project.
According to the statement signed by Mesewaku M. Stephen, Esq., Head of Legal Services Unit, the council clarified that the title “Eze Ndi-Igbo of Badagry West LCDA” has no legal or traditional recognition under the Obas and Chiefs Law of Lagos State. The Council maintained that such titles are unknown to Lagos law and therefore remain illegal.
“While the Council recognises and appreciates the positive influence of the Igbo community in Badagry West LCDA, it will not allow any act or title that is alien to the laws of Lagos State to take root,” the statement reads. “Anything not known to law remains an illegality.”
The Council’s directive came after a letter allegedly issued under the name of the Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo Traditional Ruling Council, Badagry West LCDA began circulating online, soliciting public donations for the construction of a “new palace.”
Citing a similar case where an individual was convicted for parading himself as Eze Ndi-Igbo of Ajao Estate, the council described the current situation as another clear breach of the law that must be addressed promptly to preserve order and respect for established institutions.
Hon. Yemaren reaffirmed that Badagry West LCDA remains one of the most peaceful and ethnically accommodating councils in Lagos State. However, he emphasized that such harmony must continue to rest on the foundation of the rule of law and respect for recognised traditional authorities.
“We do not oppose having a community leader among the Igbos to coordinate their social and administrative affairs,” he stated. “But such leadership must not assume or be styled in a manner that contradicts the chieftaincy laws or the authority of the recognised royal fathers—the Alapa of Apa Kingdom and the Akweno of Kweme Kingdom.”
The council’s directive has been officially communicated to His Royal Majesty, the Alapa of Apa Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, the Akweno of Kweme Kingdom, the Area Commander, Nigeria Police Area K Command, and the Divisional Police Officer, Seme Division.
Residents have also been advised to disregard any fundraising or correspondence connected to the purported Eze Ndi-Igbo Palace Project.
Hon. Yemaren reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting the integrity of indigenous institutions while fostering peaceful coexistence among all ethnic groups in the LCDA.
“Our doors remain open to every lawful initiative that strengthens community development and promotes unity,” he added.
The council’s action follows mounting tension after Prince Samuel Mawutin Ofade, a Badagry social commentator, raised the alarm over the alleged palace project, warning that such an act could cause misunderstanding between the host community and the Igbo residents.
Ofade, in a public statement on Wednesday, urged Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, and traditional rulers to intervene promptly to maintain peace in the area.
With the latest directive from the council, authorities believe the situation has been contained, restoring calm and reinforcing the principle that Lagos remains governed by law and inclusivity, not by unrecognized titles or parallel structures.
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