Lagos: Drama in Araromi as monarch clash with masquerade

The annual Jigbo festival, featuring a masquerade, concluded in turmoil in the Araromi area of Ibeju, within the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State, on the Wednesday before last.

The confrontation ensued between the masquerade and a local monarch, escalating into physical altercation.

The confrontation sparked chaos, prompting the intervention of law enforcement officers from the Elemoro Area Command and Akodo Division, who deployed tear gas and fired shots to restore order.

In footage circulating on social media, masquerades were heard chanting “Jigbo, Jigbo” as the monarch, Oba Lukman Arowolo (Gbadewolu 1), emerged from a building, confronting one of the masquerades over their procession through his domain. The monarch questioned the masqueraders’ right to parade in Araromi, to which they retorted that “Araromi is within Ibeju.”

Tensions escalated into a physical altercation between the two parties, leading to a brawl.

Video footage depicted armed police entering houses to apprehend supporters of the masquerades while residents fled for safety. Two individuals were forcefully taken into custody, with one being subjected to physical aggression by a police officer before being handcuffed.

Another video captured Oba Arowolo wielding a cane, pursuing and striking some masquerades and their supporters before being restrained by bystanders. Additionally, footage showed clashes between groups of youths armed with machetes and sticks in the community streets.

In an attempt to obtain Oba Arowolo’s perspective, a reporter reached out via WhatsApp, but the monarch insisted on an in-person audience at his palace.

Reacting to the incident, the Onibeju of Ibejuland and paramount ruler of Ibeju-Lekki, Oba Olasunkanmi Waliu Rasaki, condemned Oba Arowolo’s actions, describing them as a violation of Ibeju’s cultural norms.

He explained that the Jigbo masquerade festival, a peaceful tradition, is celebrated annually throughout Ibejuland, and Oba Arowolo’s interference disrupted the harmony. Despite efforts to reconcile, tensions remained high, with sporadic gunshots reported in Araromi.

The Lagos State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Benjamin Hundeyin, assured a response but had not provided one at the time of press.