Badagry Council Stops ‘Eze Ndi-Igbo’ Palace Project, Declares Title Illegal in Lagos State
The Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State has ordered an immediate stop to the construction of a proposed “Eze Ndi-Igbo” palace and any fundraising activities linked to the project, declaring the title “Eze Ndi-Igbo” illegal under Lagos law.
The decision followed growing public concern and social media backlash after reports surfaced that some Igbo residents in the area had initiated plans to build the palace.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Head of Legal Services Unit, Mesewaku M. Stephen, the Executive Chairman of Badagry West LCDA, Hon. Rauf Ibrahim Kayode Yemaren (RIKAY), said the council had suspended all activities connected to the project.
According to the statement, the title “Eze Ndi-Igbo of Badagry West LCDA” has no legal or traditional recognition under the Obas and Chiefs Law of Lagos State, which governs traditional titles and institutions in the state.
“The Council recognises and appreciates the positive influence of the Igbo community in Badagry West LCDA,” the statement read, “but it will not allow any act or title that is alien to the laws of Lagos State to take root. Anything not known to law remains an illegality.”
The council’s action reinforces Lagos State’s long-standing position that titles such as “Eze Ndi-Igbo” have no constitutional or traditional basis within its jurisdiction.
Residents and stakeholders have since praised the council’s swift response, describing it as a necessary step to preserve the traditional structure and legal order in the state.