The petition, written by Falana & Falana Chambers and dated September 22, 2025, accuses the Alaafin of Oyo, Abimbola Akeem Owoade, and certain palace aides of allegedly orchestrating acts of violence, torture and unlawful detention that reportedly resulted in the death of the elderly chief days after a palace visit in Oyo Town, Oyo State.
Beyond the tragic death of a revered cultural figure, the case has reignited national debate around traditional authority, accountability, abuse of power, police complicity, and the enforceability of Nigeria’s Anti-Torture Act—even within royal institutions long regarded as sacrosanct.
Background: Who Was Chief Lukmon Arounfale?
Chief Lukmon Arounfale was the Baba Oba of Oyotunji Village, a globally recognized Yoruba cultural enclave established in the United States in the 1970s by the late Oba Efuntola Oseijeman Adefunmi I. Oyotunji Village has historically maintained deep spiritual and cultural ties with Ile-Ife, widely regarded as the spiritual homeland of the Yoruba people.
As Baba Oba, Arounfale was not merely a ceremonial figure; he was a custodian of tradition, history, and Yoruba identity in the diaspora. His role placed him at the intersection of culture, spirituality, and transnational Yoruba heritage, making his alleged death under violent circumstances a matter of profound cultural and legal significance.
What Happened at the Alaafin’s Palace?
According to the petition filed by Falana on behalf of Oladotun Ayodele, Adeola Ayodele, Dipole Awoyemi, and Rosaline Ayoka Arounfale, the incident occurred on April 17, 2025, when the group paid a visit to the Alaafin’s palace in Oyo Town.
The visit was initially described as cordial, consistent with traditional protocols when Yoruba leaders and representatives engage. However, events reportedly took a violent turn following a disagreement over coronation authority and traditional practices in Oyotunji Village.
Falana stated that Chief Arounfale explained that, historically, the Ooni of Ife had overseen coronation rites in Oyotunji Village since its establishment. This explanation, according to the petition, allegedly angered the Alaafin, who reportedly accused the visitors of being liars, traitors, and spies sent to undermine his authority.
What followed, Falana alleged, was a coordinated and violent assault ordered by the monarch and carried out by palace aides.
Allegations of Brutality, Torture and Assault
The petition paints a grim picture of what transpired inside the palace walls. Falana alleged that under the direct watch of the Alaafin, palace attendants descended on the visitors, subjecting them to physical violence and torture.
Of particular concern is the allegation that Chief Arounfale, described as elderly and frail, was beaten and pushed down a staircase, an act that reportedly caused severe injuries. The petition further claimed that mobile phones belonging to the victims were forcibly seized after it was noticed that one of them was recording the incident.
If proven, these acts would constitute serious violations of Nigeria’s Anti-Torture Act (2017), which criminalizes any form of torture, inhuman or degrading treatment—regardless of the status or authority of the perpetrator.
Alleged Police Complicity and Cover-Up
Perhaps the most explosive aspect of the petition is the allegation of police complicity in what Falana described as an attempt to cover up the incident.
According to the senior advocate, the Alaafin allegedly invited the Oyo Area Commander of the Nigeria Police Force to the palace and directed him to arrest the victims for undisclosed offences.
Shockingly, the victims were reportedly arrested while bleeding from their injuries and taken to the police station, where they were allegedly forced to write statements despite not committing any crime.
Falana stated:
> “The Area Commander arrested our clients who were drenched in their own blood and took them to his office where he made them to write statements even though they had not committed any criminal offence whatsoever.”
Even more troubling, the victims were allegedly detained overnight, despite being in severe pain and in need of urgent medical attention.
Forced Apology and Illegal Detention
The petition further alleged that on April 18, 2025, the victims were compelled to write and sign a Letter of Apology to the Alaafin as a condition for their release on bail.
Such an action, legal experts argue, raises grave concerns about abuse of police powers, unlawful detention, and violation of constitutional rights guaranteed under Section 34 (Right to Dignity of the Human Person) and Section 35 (Right to Personal Liberty) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended).
Death of Chief Arounfale
After their eventual release, the victims reportedly sought medical treatment. While others recovered, Chief Lukmon Arounfale’s condition deteriorated.
Despite receiving medical care, the elderly chief allegedly succumbed to his injuries on April 27, 2025, exactly ten days after the palace incident.
Falana maintained that the injuries sustained during the alleged assault were directly linked to the chief’s death, transforming what began as an alleged assault into a potential case of culpable homicide under the Criminal Code of Oyo State.
Police Investigation Without Justice?
The petition acknowledged that the Inspector-General of Police reportedly ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Arounfale’s death and that the investigation was concluded.
However, Falana lamented that no arrests or prosecutions have followed.
> “Even though the Police had concluded the investigation, the suspects have not been arrested and prosecuted for inflicting such brutal torture on our clients, which led to the untimely death of Chief Lukmon Arounfale,” he stated.
This development has fueled public suspicion about selective justice and the reluctance of law enforcement agencies to hold powerful traditional institutions accountable.
Why the SSS Petition Matters
By petitioning the State Security Service, Falana is effectively escalating the matter beyond conventional policing. The SSS, under Nigerian law, is empowered to investigate threats to internal security, including actions that could destabilize public order or undermine confidence in institutions.
Falana emphasized that no individual or institution is above the law, adding that acts of torture and extrajudicial violence cannot be tolerated in a civilized society.
Broader Implications for Traditional Institutions
This case has wider implications for Nigeria’s traditional system. While monarchs play critical roles in cultural preservation and community leadership, recent years have seen growing calls for clear limits to royal authority, especially where human rights are concerned.
Legal analysts argue that shielding traditional rulers from accountability risks undermining both the rule of law and the credibility of traditional institutions themselves.
Conclusion: A Test Case for Justice and Accountability
The death of Chief Lukmon Arounfale is no longer just a tragic personal loss—it has become a national test case for Nigeria’s commitment to justice, accountability and human rights.
As Nigerians await the response of the State Security Service, the question remains: Will power once again silence justice, or will the law finally speak louder than the throne?
The answer may well redefine the boundaries between tradition and accountability in modern Nigeria.
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