§ 44. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will reconsider the claim of the Akarigbo of Ijebu-Remo to £3,000 alleged to have been made in an agreement of 4th August, 1894, between the Akarigbo's predecessor and the Governor of Lagos.
§ Mr. George HallNo, Sir. The Akarigbo was entitled to a stipend of £100 a year under the 1894 Treaty and the claim of £3,000 represents the sum of the payments which he considers should have been made to him since he was installed in 1916. But since then he has been paid a salary from Native Authority funds, which has now risen to £600, and I am satisfied that its payment fulfils the Treaty obligation; indeed a much higher sum is now paid than was provided in it.
§ Mr. SorensenIs the Minister aware that the dispute is concerned with the fact that payment for two or three items covered by the original stipend is now being refused? Would he not look into this matter more closely?
§ Mr. HallI have looked into this matter. In all the circumstances, there is no justification for the claim, and this person is very much better off than he would be if the agreement were applied.
§ Mr. SorensenIs it not true that the amount paid for the salary is for a specific service while the other represents what was given the Akarigbo some time ago?
§ Sir Ronald RossWhat functions does the Akarigbo perform in Ijebu-Remo for this £600?
§ Mr. HallThe functions which, in the opinion of the Governor, give him the salary to which he is entitled.
§ Sir R. RossAre there any vacancies in these appointments?