Prince Takes Lagos Government to Court Over Isolo Throne Dispute

A legal battle has erupted in Lagos State over the installation of the new traditional ruler of Isolo, with Prince Jimmy Adetokunbo Yekini-Goloba seeking the court’s intervention to reclaim what he believes is his rightful place on the throne.

Yekini-Goloba has dragged the Lagos State Government and other parties before the state’s High Court, demanding the nullification of the installation of Prince Isa Abiodun Shekoni-Faronbi as the Osolo of Isolo. The suit, marked LD/13362/2005, is centered on the claim that due process and custom were not followed in the recent appointment of the monarch.

At the heart of the dispute is the Alagbeji Ruling House, which Yekini-Goloba represents. He maintains that this house is next in line to occupy the throne following the passing of the late Oba Kabiru Alani Adelaja Agbabiaka in April 2024. He argues that his nomination followed all traditional steps, including selection by family members, endorsement by Kingmakers, and confirmation by the Ifa oracle.

The lawsuit lists several defendants, including the installed monarch Shekoni-Faronbi, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the state’s Attorney General, and other top officials connected to local government and chieftaincy affairs. Yekini-Goloba accuses them of ignoring the rightful order of succession and pushing forward an appointment while a chieftaincy matter was still being contested in court.

He is asking the court for a series of declarations and orders. These include recognition of the Alagbeji Ruling House as the rightful next ruling house, official installation of himself as the new Osolo, and the cancellation of Shekoni-Faronbi’s appointment. He also wants the court to order the return of the staff of office and other instruments associated with the throne.

In addition to seeking recognition, Yekini-Goloba is demanding ₦50 million in compensation to cover the cost of the legal action. His legal team, led by Prof. Olarenwaju Fagbohun (SAN), insists that tradition was bypassed and that such actions threaten the integrity of the traditional institution.

According to court documents, the claimant says his bloodline connects him not only to the Alagbeji family but also to the Okota and Adeola houses, strengthening his eligibility for the throne. He believes the state’s action in endorsing another candidate violated both custom and the law.

The case now puts the spotlight on the role of government in traditional succession matters and how long-standing customs are observed or overlooked. The ruling on this matter could affect not only the future of the Isolo throne but also set a precedent for similar disputes across the state.