•Oba Sejiro presenting staff of office to new Seriki Fulani of Badagry
Some youths in the Badagry area of Lagos State have warned that installing a Seriki Fulani in the community could lead to a crisis.
This followed the report that the Aholu of Kweme Kingdom, Oba Sejiro James, installed Alhaji Mohammed Umar as the Seriki Fulani of Badagry, Lagos State, reports Saturday PUNCH.
The ceremony drew Fulani socio-cultural leaders from across the South-West and neighbouring Benin Republic to the community.
A report by the News Agency of Nigeria noted that during the installation at Sito Gbethrome community, along the Seme expressway, Oba James presented Umar with traditional staff and beads.
However, the traditional ruler denied installing Umar as Seriki in a press briefing on Monday.
Oba James said he was also invited to the installation like other obas present at the event.
The traditional ruler said, “I was shocked reading the article as it is not possible for one king out of 16 obas in Badagry to install the Seriki Fulani over them.
He further explained that the turbaning of the Seriki Fulani was conducted by representatives of Sarkin Fulani of Lagos and the Chairman, Council of Fulani Chiefs, Southwest, which happened before his coronation as the Aholu of Kweme Kingdom.
“The trending picture of me presenting him with beads was necessary because the Seriki emanated from Sito Gbethrome under Kweme Kingdom,” said Akweno. “I wasn’t the only king present, nor was I the only king asked to advise him at the occasion.”
Commenting on the purported installation, the Chairman of the Badagry Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Gboweh Gabriel, said Badagry indigenes were not happy with the development for some security reasons.
Gabriel said, “People have shown their dissatisfaction, stating that it is uncalled for a king to deem it fit to install such a person. Badagry has been a peaceful community, and it is important for the indigenes to know who is worth reckoning with.
“We, the youths, have not taken any decision yet, as we are still maintaining orderliness and peace. We did not like the installation; we are just observing the situation and consulting before the situation becomes worse. Right now, people are still disapproving of it.”
Another youth leader, who identified as Deji Ojo, stated that the installation of Seriki Fulani in the Badagry community might raise security concerns.
“The Seriki’s installation may embolden Fulani herdsmen, potentially leading to increased clashes with local farmers and residents.
“The Kweme community may face heightened tensions, insecurity, and instability, undermining their livelihoods and overall well-being.”
