The contest for the Osolo of Isolo throne has taken a dramatic legal turn, as Prince Adetokunbo Yekini-Goloba has filed a suit at the Lagos State High Court, seeking to be declared the rightful monarch of the Isolo community.
In the suit, marked LD/13362/2005, Yekini-Goloba is challenging the installation of Prince Isa Abiodun Shekoni-Faronbi, describing the process as unlawful and a clear violation of established traditional succession procedures. He contends that the appointment bypassed his family’s rightful claim and ignored pending legal proceedings on the matter.
Represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Professor Olarenwaju Fagbohun, Yekini-Goloba claims that the Alagbeji Ruling House—his lineage—is next in line to produce the Osolo, based on a recognized rotational system among the three ruling houses: Alagbeji, Okota, and Adeola. He insists that this succession arrangement is supported by the Registered Declaration under Section 4 of the Chiefs Law (Cap 19) of the Revised Laws of Western Nigeria, 1962, as adopted by Lagos State.
The claimant argues that his selection followed all customary processes, including consultations with the Ifa oracle and endorsement by the majority of Kingmakers. He alleges that despite forwarding his nomination to the appropriate state authorities, no action was taken, and the government instead proceeded to approve and install Shekoni-Faronbi.
Yekini-Goloba is asking the court to declare the rival installation invalid, order the withdrawal of all instruments of office issued to Shekoni-Faronbi, and compel the Lagos State Government to recognize and install him as the legitimate Osolo. He is also seeking N50 million in legal costs.
This unfolding legal battle underscores the growing tension surrounding traditional leadership disputes and is likely to set a significant precedent in chieftaincy matters within Lagos State.
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