IG Extends Withdrawal of Police Security from Lagos Monarchs Amid Political Fallout

In a move that deepens the political crisis in Lagos State, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has indefinitely extended the withdrawal of government-assigned security personnel from prominent Lagos traditional rulers, Oba Omogbolahan Oniru of Iru Kingdom and Oba Saheed Elegushi of Ikate Kingdom.

This decision, according to inside sources, follows a directive reportedly approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who remains angered by the political mismanagement surrounding the controversial January impeachment of Lagos House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa.

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President Tinubu’s Frustration Triggers Sanctions

Sources who spoke with Peoples Gazette revealed that President Tinubu authorized the continuation of the security withdrawal after learning that both monarchs had sided with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in orchestrating the Speaker’s impeachment on January 13, 2025.

Although constitutional limitations prevent the president from directly punishing Sanwo-Olu, a sitting governor, insiders say Tinubu is determined to hold accountable everyone involved in what he views as a betrayal and political backstabbing.

“The president authorized the IG to maintain the security suspension,” one source said. “He believes the traditional rulers supported Governor Sanwo-Olu’s claims without verifying whether the president actually approved Obasa’s removal.”

 Private Guards Replace Police as Palaces Adjust

As of last weekend, police vans once stationed outside the palaces of Oniru and Elegushi were conspicuously absent. In response, Oba Oniru has reportedly hired private security personnel, providing them with matching black suits to appear like State Security Service (SSS) operatives.

“Kabiyesi Oniru is uncertain about when official security will return,” said a palace insider. “He’s doing what he can to maintain dignity and security in the meantime.”

Oba Elegushi, though more discreet, is said to be actively lobbying for the restoration of his official protection. Both monarchs are navigating political landmines, trying to avoid further fallout.

Sanwo-Olu Under Scrutiny

Governor Sanwo-Olu has denied playing any role in Obasa’s impeachment, but allegations persist that he manipulated lawmakers, allegedly bribing them and falsely claiming he had Tinubu’s backing.

The situation worsened when Mojisola Lasbat Meranda was swiftly sworn in as Speaker after Obasa’s removal. However, on March 3, 2025, Obasa was reinstated following a direct order from the presidency, despite initial resistance from the Lagos Assembly.

Tinubu’s irritation reportedly runs deeper than this single event. According to one aide, his distrust of Sanwo-Olu dates back to the 2023 presidential election, where Peter Obi of the Labour Party won Lagos State—an unexpected blow in Tinubu’s political stronghold.

“Sanwo-Olu misled lawmakers and attempted to remove a man Asiwaju deeply respects,” the aide claimed. “The president expected better political judgment from his allies.”

Royal Connections Under Fire

Oba Oniru has faced increased scrutiny due to his family relationship with Meranda, the briefly installed speaker. However, his camp strongly denies any political maneuvering. “Kabiyesi Oniru is a traditional ruler, not a politician,” said his spokesperson, Hakeem Akintoye. “His focus has always been the cultural and economic development of Iru Kingdom.”

Oba Elegushi has also denied being embroiled in the political drama but is reportedly making quiet efforts to regain favor in Abuja and recover his official security detail.

Despite multiple requests for comments, Governor Sanwo-Olu’s media team did not respond, and the Force Headquarters has refrained from commenting on the issue, fueling speculation about the seriousness of the presidential directive.

Political Symbolism and Fallout

Analysts believe that this security withdrawal serves as a symbolic punishment, sending a message not just to the monarchs but to other power players in Lagos politics. “The president is signaling that loyalty matters, and those who align against his interests will face consequences,” one political observer noted.

Traditional rulers, although not formally involved in politics, wield significant sociopolitical influence in their communities. By withdrawing security, Tinubu is leveraging state apparatus to enforce political discipline—especially in a state considered the nerve center of his political base.

The situation has also created visible tension in elite circles, where monarchs often play key roles in mediating between the people and the government. “This kind of fallout between political and traditional institutions can erode public trust,” noted one sociologist.

A Delicate Balancing Act Ahead

The indefinite withdrawal of police security from Oba Oniru and Oba Elegushi underscores a deepening rift within Lagos’s political ecosystem, with Governor Sanwo-Olu at the center. While both monarchs continue to function in their traditional capacities, the lack of federal security presence sends a clear message of presidential displeasure.

For now, the affected monarchs are treading carefully, hoping to rebuild trust with the presidency while avoiding direct confrontation with Sanwo-Olu. The governor, on the other hand, is under pressure to repair his standing with the president following a series of political missteps.

Whether or not the security details are eventually restored may depend on how swiftly and effectively these key figures mend fences in what is fast becoming a high-stakes political chess game in Lagos.