The Akodo community in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State has raised fresh concerns over what residents describe as growing attempts to impose leadership structures on the community, warning that such actions could deepen division and unrest if not urgently addressed.

At a press briefing attended by youth leaders, elders, and key community stakeholders, the Akodo people firmly opposed any move to impose a new youth leader on the community, stressing that Mr. Shittu Wasiu Abudo remains the duly recognized and accepted youth leader of Akodo. Community representatives cautioned that any attempt to introduce parallel or imposed youth leadership would create unnecessary factionalization and threaten the long-standing unity of the community.

> “We do not want division in Akodo. Our youth leadership is already settled and recognized. Any imposed structure will only breed conflict,” a youth spokesperson told lagostrend

Objection to Alleged Kingship Imposition

Beyond the youth leadership issue, the community also reiterated its strong objection to what it describes as the unilateral imposition of HRM Oba Akeem Olokodano as traditional ruler, allegedly without adherence to Akodo’s age-long customs, chieftaincy procedures, and community-wide consent.

Speakers emphasized that their agitation is not a call to violence, but a demand for respect for tradition, transparency, and collective decision-making in matters affecting Akodo’s heritage and governance.

According to the community:

Traditional leadership must emerge from due process involving recognized kingmakers and indigenous stakeholders.

No individual or authority should impose leadership—youth or traditional—without community consensus.

Peace and stability can only be sustained through dialogue and respect for established norms.

Call for Government and Traditional Council Intervention