By Jumoke Owoola
The Aholu of Kweme Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Sejiro James, has refuted claims circulating on social media suggesting that he installed the Seriki Fulani in Badagry.
Addressing journalists at a press briefing in Badagry, the traditional ruler clarified his role in the event, stating that he was merely an invited guest alongside other monarchs. Oba Sejiro expressed shock at the reports, emphasizing that it is beyond the jurisdiction of any single king out of the 16 traditional rulers in Badagry to install the Seriki Fulani.
“The turbaning of the Seriki Fulani was carried out by representatives of the Sarkin Fulani of Lagos and the Chairman of the Council of Fulani Chiefs, Southwest,” Oba Sejiro explained. “The installation has been done long before my arrival at the ceremony,” the monarch added
The monarch acknowledged the viral photograph of him presenting beads to the new Seriki Fulani but clarified the gesture. “The new Seriki is from Sito Gbethrome, which falls under Kweme Kingdom. That was the context of the presentation,” he said.
He further noted that he was not the only Oba present at the event, nor was he the only one who gave advice to the new Seriki.
Oba Sejiro also provided historical context to the Fulani leadership structure in Badagry, highlighting that the tradition dates back decades.
“The first Seriki Fulani in Badagry, Alhaji Mohammed Usman, was installed in the early 1960s. After his passing, Alhaji Umar Umaru Mohammed was installed in 1981, followed by Alhaji Usman Umar in 2012,” the monarch stated. “I have no authority, as one of the 16 Obas, to install the Seriki Fulani in Badagry.”
The royal father urged the public to dismiss the misleading reports and focus on fostering unity and understanding within the community.
No comments