Ajiran Indigenes Reject Alleged Palace-Linked Notice, Call for Fair Probe into Killings
Concerned indigenes of Ajiran Land in Eti-Osa Local Government Area, Lagos State, have publicly distanced themselves from a public notice allegedly issued by the Ojomu Royal Family. In a jointly signed statement released on Thursday, February 19, 2026, the community leaders described the document as misleading and lacking the dignity expected from the traditional palace. They expressed doubts about its authenticity, noting that despite bearing the names of the Ojomu and Balogun of Ajiran Land, the tone and content did not reflect the institution's royalty.
Support for Impartial Investigation into Murders
The indigenes reiterated their strong support for a comprehensive and unbiased investigation into the killings of Sheriff Isola Salami and Prince Ademola Akinloye, who were reportedly murdered in separate incidents in 2023 and 2024. They emphasized that such probes must be conducted fairly and not be used as tools for intimidation, blackmail, or witch-hunting. The group stated that previous investigations had not implicated any prominent Ajiran youths, raising concerns about a renewed focus on the cases combined with what they termed propaganda in the disputed notice.
Concerns Over Land Disputes and Hidden Agendas
According to the statement, the indigenes criticized attempts to link the murder investigations with disputes over land sales in Ajiran Land, labeling this connection as malicious and a diversion from longstanding communal land issues. They clarified that Ajiran Land, under the Ojomu Chieftaincy Family, is communal property belonging to all indigenes, not the exclusive asset of a few individuals. The group alleged that Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi and Wasiu Yekini Akinsemoyin have faced attacks due to their advocacy for transparency and equitable sharing of proceeds from communal land sales.
Questions on Use of Land Sale Proceeds
The statement further raised serious questions about the utilization of billions of naira generated from the sale of large portions of land to individuals and multinational companies over the years. The indigenes alleged that these funds have not resulted in visible development projects within Ajiran Land, with proceeds allegedly diverted for personal and family interests. Those demanding accountability, such as Tajudeen and Akinsemoyin, have reportedly faced harassment. The group expressed solidarity with them, urging perseverance and confidence that truth and justice will prevail for the Ajiran community.
Background on Recent Violence
Previously, tension gripped the Ajiran community in the Agungi Area of Lekki, Lagos, following the gruesome murder of Demola, the first son of the Ojomu of Ajiran Land, Tijani Akinloye. The incident occurred on Monday along Chevron Drive near Ebano Supermarket, where gunmen shot and butchered Demola, leading to shock, fear, and a mass exodus of residents from the area. This assassination has heightened concerns about security and stability in the region.
