The Okuoye Royal Family of Ise Land in the Lekki Local Council Development Area has reaffirmed that Prince Ibrahim Adebowale Saliu remains the only recognised Oba-elect of the community, dismissing competing claims by Ekundayo Babatunde Lana.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the family’s head, Chief Ligali Alidu, and Secretary, Prince Hassan Waliu Adewale, the royal family urged the Lagos State Government and the public to disregard Lana’s claim to the traditional stool, alleging that he is falsely presenting himself as the Oba-elect.

The family further alleged that Lana’s bid is being backed by individuals seeking to disrupt the ongoing selection process, insisting that Prince Saliu emerged through procedures recognised under Yoruba custom and the approved chieftaincy declaration.

According to the statement, eligible candidates were first nominated by the ruling house before undergoing screening by the Kingmakers, who also consulted the Ifa oracle and assessed contestants based on merit, educational qualifications and character before selecting Prince Saliu.

The family said the decision of the Kingmakers was formally documented and forwarded through the local council for transmission to the state government for the next stage of the approval process.

It also rejected claims that Lana was chosen by the Okuoye Royal Family, maintaining that the family’s responsibility ends with nominating qualified candidates, while the authority to select an Oba-elect rests solely with the Kingmakers.

The statement further accused the Chairman of Lekki Local Government, Rasaq Bamidele Kasali, of supporting Lana’s claim in a move allegedly aimed at delaying the installation process.

The royal family argued that the applicable chieftaincy regulations require the Kingmakers’ decision and meeting records to be transmitted through the local council to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, warning that any interference with the process would be unlawful.

The family appealed to Babajide Sanwo-Olu to ensure due process is upheld and to intervene in resolving the dispute, insisting that Prince Saliu is the legitimate Oba-elect of Ise Land.

The competing claims have continued to generate tension within the community as residents await the state government’s decision on the disputed traditional stool.