Ajiran Community Residents Protest, Demand Investigation of Babajide Akinloye Over Prince Ademola’s Death

Residents of the Ajiran Community on Saturday staged a peaceful protest, calling on the Nigeria Police Force to investigate allegations surrounding the death of Prince Ademola Akinloye, who was killed in August 2024.

The protesters marched through Ajiran and neighboring communities carrying placards and chanting slogans demanding justice for the late prince. They urged law enforcement authorities to investigate Babajide Akinloye over his alleged connection to the circumstances surrounding the death of his younger brother.

The demonstration follows recent claims made by social media activist Martins Ose, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), who alleged that Babajide Akinloye was the last known person to contact the deceased on the day of the incident. According to the activist, Babajide allegedly summoned Prince Ademola to the palace, and the deceased was reportedly attacked and killed while on his way there.

The protesters also referenced allegations that, two days after the incident, Babajide Akinloye swore to an affidavit to facilitate the release of the deceased’s body without an autopsy being conducted. They further claimed that about seven days after the death, he allegedly applied for the release of the deceased’s mobile phone from the police, a move they believe hindered further investigation into the case.

Another issue raised during the protest was the alleged sale of farmland previously operated by the late Prince Ademola. According to the protesters, the property was sold approximately two months after his death by Babajide Akinloye, which they argued should form part of any comprehensive police investigation.

Many of the demonstrators wore shirts and caps displaying photographs of Babajide Akinloye and Aare Bashiru Fakorede, accompanied by inscriptions calling for both men to be investigated.

The protesters also alleged that Aare Bashiru Fakorede has used his influence to shield Babajide Akinloye from investigation through the office of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Lagos. These allegations have not been independently verified, and no official response had been issued by the individuals named at the time of filing this report.

In addition to demanding justice for Prince Ademola, the protesters called for the release of Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi, whom they described as innocent and allegedly being victimized in connection with a land dispute.

Placards displayed during the protest bore messages such as: “Justice for Ademola,” “Bloodshed in the Palace,” “Cleanse Ajiran of Bloodshed Now,” “No Prince is Bigger Than Another,” “Prince Ademola Deserves Justice,” and “Babajide Must Be Investigated.”

As of the time of this report, the Nigeria Police Force had not issued an official statement regarding the protest or the allegations raised by the demonstrators. Likewise, Babajide Akinloye, Aare Bashiru Fakorede, and the office of the AIG Zone 2 had not publicly responded to the claims.