By Ademola Adekusibe
September 11, 2025
A storm of unease is sweeping across Yoruba land as fresh revelations link two unsettling developments: the rise of alleged Biafra sleeper cells in Lagos and the controversial “Obi of Lagos” palace saga that shook the city weeks ago.
First came outrage when a group attempted to install an “Obi of Lagos,” a brazen affront to Yoruba history and heritage. That palace scandal was dismissed by some as mere cultural overreach, but many Yoruba voices warned it was the first step in a larger agenda to dilute and undermine indigenous authority.
Now new reports have surfaced pointing to pro-Biafra activity right inside Yoruba communities. Residents allege that in Agunlejika, Ijeshatedo, a so-called “Biafra temple” or palace has been established, reportedly armed and operating in defiance of Lagos State laws. At Ipaja-Baruwa, eyewitnesses describe a building painted in full Biafra colors with the separatist flag proudly mounted.
Social media users further claim that sleeper cells have been spotted in Ojo and Badagry with underground activity spreading into the Victoria Island and Lekki corridor. These accusations are consistent with earlier sightings of Biafra flags and campaign materials hoisted in Festac during the tense pre-2023 election period.
Analysts fear a pattern is emerging.
“The fake Obi of Lagos palace was not a joke. It was a test of Yoruba reaction. Now sleeper cells and Biafra colors in Lagos are another test. If these encroachments are ignored, Yoruba land risks being slowly infiltrated from within,” a socio-political commentator told our correspondent.
For Yoruba traders in the Southeast who have suffered repeated sit-at-home lockdowns, the implications are chilling. “We lose business there because of IPOB, and now their flag is flying in our own backyard in Lagos. This is unacceptable,” a trader lamented.
As tension mounts, many are now demanding swift intervention from Lagos State Government and security agencies. The growing feeling is that Yoruba silence will only embolden those seeking to plant parallel authority and symbols of power in the land of Oduduwa.
The question remains: Will Yoruba leaders rise to defend their heritage or will history record that while Biafra built temples and raised flags in Lagos, Yoruba power looked away?
