In recent developments, Prince Abdul Waliu Oladimeji Sulaiman, a stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a longstanding supporter of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has been selected by the Onikoyi Family as the Oba-elect of Onikoyi of Ikoyi and Moba Land in Lagos State. The selection took place on Sunday during a well-attended open meeting of the Muti Onikoyi Royal Family at Iga Onikoyi, Lagos Island. This decision follows the passing of Oba Patrick Ibikunle Fafunwa and aligns with the provisions outlined in the Onikoyi Chieftaincy Declaration of 2006.
The 2006 Declaration was a resolution initiated during the tenure of Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, addressing a prolonged dispute over the number of ruling houses in the Onikoyi Royal Family. Under his leadership, the state government officially endorsed the Onikoyi Chieftaincy Declaration, streamlining it to consist of one ruling house with 10 branches. The rotational ascension to the position of Onikoyi was to be determined among these branches. The recent selection of Prince Abdul Waliu Oladimeji Sulaiman by the Muti Onikoyi Royal Family adheres to the provisions of the 2026 Declaration, as the Fafunwa branch concluded its reign with the passing of Oba Patrick Ibikunle Fafunwa, making the Ojubiari branch the next in line.
Following a rigorous selection process, Prince Abdul Waliu Oladimeji Omogbolahan emerged as the chosen candidate and was presented to the entire family as the next Oba Onikoyi of Ikoyi and Moba Land. The presentation was conducted by Alhaji Akinyemi Eshinlokun, the head of the Ojubiari branch, and Otunba Abdul Ganiyi Kolawole Onikoyi, the head of the entire Onikoyi Royal Family, with the majority of branch heads in attendance.
Prince Oladimeji Sulaiman is recognized as a dedicated member of the APC and a devoted supporter of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His extensive financial support to the party, particularly at the grassroots level, underscores his commitment. Additionally, Prince Sulaiman, an altruistic and approachable individual, has been a benefactor for students, providing numerous sponsorship opportunities across all levels of the educational system. With a Master’s degree in Organisation Leadership from Arizona State University and currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Indiana Tech University in the United States, Prince Sulaiman brings a wealth of experience to his role as the Oba-elect.
