Giant Strides or Deepening Rift? The 2023 Confrontation Between Former Ejigbo LCDA Chairman Hon. Monsuru Oloyede Bello and the Ojon of Ejigbo Over Market Revenue

Date: December 15, 2025

In the annals of local governance in Lagos State, few disputes have captured the tension between modern administrative authority and traditional rulership quite like the 2023 face-off between the then Executive Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Alhaji Monsuru Oloyede Bello (popularly known as Hon. Obe), and the Ojon of Ejigbo Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Morufu Adekunle Adisa Ojoola.

The core of the controversy revolved around the control and revenue generation from markets and motor parks within Ejigbo LCDA. The monarch asserted traditional ownership over the land on which these facilities stood, implying a claim to their administration and revenues. In contrast, Hon. Bello maintained that the management of markets and motor parks falls squarely under the prerogative of the local council, as stipulated by Lagos State guidelines and the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

The dispute reportedly began when the Oba’s claims were accompanied by alleged threats, prompting the chairman to escalate the matter to the Lagos State Government and relevant security agencies for intervention. Hon. Bello emphasised that traditional rulers’ roles do not extend to direct revenue collection or administration of such public facilities.

The rift escalated further following a directive from the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, which instructed council chairmen to engage with royal fathers on matters pertaining to chieftaincy titles and related records. During a stakeholders’ meeting involving heads of indigenous families to discuss revenue issues, the monarch—through his Chieftaincy Officer, Mr. Lasisi Idris—reportedly distanced himself from the council administration under Hon. Bello’s leadership and demanded a formal apology for the allegations levelled against him.

Hon. Bello described this response as a direct disregard for both the council’s authority and the state government’s directive, insisting the issue was official rather than personal. He announced plans to publish all existing agreements between the council and the palace in national dailies, as well as submit them to state and federal authorities, including the Office of the Inspector-General of Police. The chairman advised the monarch to seek legal redress in court if aggrieved, rather than pursuing extra-judicial demands.

Despite the impasse, which Hon. Bello claimed led to significant revenue shortages for the LCDA, he highlighted several developmental achievements during his tenure. These included the rehabilitation of primary health centres and roads, free medical outreaches benefiting over 1,000 residents, distribution of GCE forms to indigent students, staff welfare improvements, construction of a central motor park, and ongoing upgrades to the council secretariat.

Controversies Surrounding the Dispute

The confrontation sparked widespread debate within the Ejigbo community and beyond, raising fundamental questions about the boundaries between traditional institutions and elected local government structures in Nigeria. Critics of the monarch argued that his claims risked undermining constitutional governance and revenue allocation for public development. Supporters of the Oba, however, viewed the council’s actions as an encroachment on indigenous land rights and cultural heritage.

The public exchange also drew attention to broader issues of cooperation—or lack thereof—between traditional rulers and local administrators, with some indigenes expressing concern that the rift could hinder community progress. No resolution was publicly reported at the height of the crisis in mid-2023, and the matter appeared to contribute to ongoing financial constraints for the LCDA.

Recent searches (as of December 2025) yield no publicly available updates on a full reclamation of market revenues by the LCDA or any subsequent petitions involving community signings at specific venues. Separate developments in 2025 have focused on petitions against the former chairman alleging abuse of office and related matters, which have been defended by his supporters as baseless.

Conclusion: Balancing Authority and Harmony in Ejigbo’s Governance

The 2023 confrontation between former Ejigbo LCDA Chairman, Hon. Monsuru Oloyede Bello, and His Royal Majesty Oba Morufu Adekunle Adisa Ojoola, the Ojon of Ejigbo, remains a poignant chapter in the community’s history. At its heart was a fundamental clash: the constitutional mandate of local councils to manage public facilities like markets and motor parks versus traditional claims rooted in land ownership and cultural heritage.

Hon. Bello’s firm stance—escalating the issue to state authorities and security agencies—can be viewed as a principled defense of modern governance structures under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution and Lagos State guidelines. His actions aimed to ensure revenues flowed to the LCDA for public development, amid reports of significant shortfalls during the rift. Achievements like infrastructure upgrades, health outreaches, and educational support during his tenure underscore a commitment to progress despite the challenges.

However, the dispute’s escalation, including public exchanges and unmet demands for apologies, highlighted the risks of prolonged acrimony. No publicly verified resolution emerged during Bello’s administration, and the matter contributed to broader debates on the overlap between elected and traditional institutions. Recent petitions against the former chairman (October 2025), alleging administrative irregularities, have been robustly contested by his supporters as politically motivated and baseless—adding another layer of controversy without conclusive outcomes reported.

Fast-forward to late 2025: Under the current Chairman, Aare Taoheed Adebayo Taiwo, signs of reconciliation are evident. Joint initiatives, such as mega health missions involving the Oba, and celebrations of the monarch’s 27th coronation anniversary reflect a renewed spirit of cooperation. This shift suggests that dialogue and mutual respect may have bridged the divide, benefiting residents through unified efforts on development.

In our view, Hon. Bello’s “giant strides” in confronting the issue brought necessary attention to governance boundaries, potentially laying groundwork for clearer policies. Yet, true progress lies not in confrontation alone but in sustainable harmony. Ejigbo’s story reminds us that Nigeria’s dual system of authority thrives when traditional rulers and elected officials collaborate for the people’s welfare—prioritizing community needs over personal or institutional rivalries.

CivicWire.ng calls for ongoing transparency in revenue management and legal frameworks to prevent future rifts. As Ejigbo moves forward, this episode should inspire unity, ensuring revenues translate into tangible improvements for all.

Sources: Reports from Echo News, The Nation Newspaper, New Telegraph, ICIR, and recent community updates (2023–2025).