As the contest for the Alaketu of Ketu-Epe throne intensifies, Prince Babajide Adekoya Adefowora has issued a bold challenge to his rival, Chief Akeem Oluwo, calling on him to take a walk through the town of Ketu-Epe to test their popularity and credibility among the people.
Prince Adefowora threw down the gauntlet during a media chat held in Ketu-Epe, Ikosi-Ejirin Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, on Thursday. Reacting to Chief Akeem Oluwo’s claim that his lineage entitles him to the throne, Adefowora said such assertion lacks merit.
“A mother can give birth to children for five different men, but that doesn’t mean all her children are entitled to the crown of one of those families,” Adefowora stated. “Here in Ketu, the government has recognized only the Osokeji Ateshimara Ruling House as the legitimate royal lineage, and that’s where I come from. The Adeona family, from which Akeem Oluwo hails, has never produced a crowned king in Ketu-Epeland.”
He accused Oluwo of attempting to “cut corners” using the Oluwo chieftaincy title as a platform for royal ascension. “They are from Adeona, and it has no history of wearing the crown in Ketu-Epeland,” he said.
On his recent visit to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Adefowora clarified that the visit was not political but cultural. “I went to pay homage to the Arole Oduduwa as a son would to a father and to inform him that the people of Ketu-Epe have chosen me as monarch-elect. It was a warm reception. Ooni welcomed me and my entourage, prayed for us, and the world saw it.”
Adefowora, who revealed that the late monarch Oba Adegboyega Adefowora was his cousin, narrated how the Olisa of Ketu-Epeland, Chief Adewale Badru, guided him through the formal process of indicating interest in the stool. “He instructed me to write a letter and submit it along with drinks, kola nuts, and alligator pepper. He even warned that Akeem Oluwo must not be allowed to ascend the throne,” Adefowora claimed.
Addressing the legal battles, he clarified: “I didn’t sue the Lagos State Government but Akeem Oluwo personally, to stop him from forcefully becoming king. All relevant documents are with the Executive Chairman of the LCDA, Hon. Anomo.”
He accused Oluwo of manipulating narratives and rejoicing at the death of the previous monarch. “I’m not here for revenge. I’m only asking the authorities to uphold the truth and allow the rightful heir to be crowned. Ketu-Epe deserves progress and peace.”
Concluding his remarks, Prince Adefowora reiterated: “Let’s both walk through Ketu-Epe and see who the people support. I’m confident they’ll show where their loyalty lies.”
Meanwhile, in a brief response, Chief Akeem Oluwo stated that he is reviewing all statements made by Adefowora and will respond at
the appropriate time.
