HC Deb 14 July 1937 vol 326 cc1247-8
43. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of a rival claim to the Egba throne made eight years ago; whether he has any record of the incident; and by what legal right the Alake of Abeokuta now occupies the Egba throne?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I have no information as to any other claimant to the position of Alake of Abeokuta at the date referred to. The present Alake, who is the son of a former Alake, was unanimously nominated for office in 1920 by the Ogboni chiefs. The choice was then confirmed by the Egba Judicial Council and approved by the then Governor, Sir Hugh Clifford. During the past 17 years the Alake has proved a popular and progressive ruler.

Mr. Sorensen

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in 1931–32 there was a rival claimant to this throne, and that the matter was discussed in the local newspapers? Is he not aware that the present Alake of Abeokuta is not a direct descendant of the previous occupant of the throne, and in view of these facts will he make further investigations?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

The facts are on record and show that the statement in the papers was so untrue that the Alake is a son of the previous Alake of Abeokuta. If the hon. Member has in mind the ex-Oshili, he was sentenced by a court for immoral conduct in 1925, and was ordered to leave the Egba country.

Mr. Sorensen

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that in fact the rival claimant's name is Smith?