The tussle for the Osolo of Isolo throne has escalated to the courts, as Prince Adetokunbo Yekini-Goloba has filed a lawsuit against the Lagos State Government, challenging the legitimacy of Prince Isa Abiodun Shekoni-Faronbi’s installation as monarch.
In suit number LD/13362/2005 filed at the Lagos State High Court, Yekini-Goloba claims he is the rightful heir to the stool, arguing that the selection and coronation of Shekoni-Faronbi were conducted unlawfully and in violation of established traditional succession procedures.
The Lagos State Government, its Attorney-General, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Oshodi-Isolo Chieftaincy Committee, and the Executive Chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government are among the named defendants.
Represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof. Olarenwaju Fagbohun, the claimant is asking the court to nullify the nomination, approval, and installation of Shekoni-Faronbi. He is also seeking an order directing the state to recognize and install him as the lawful Osolo of Isolo.
According to Yekini-Goloba, the Alagbeji Ruling House, to which he belongs is next in line for the throne, following the rotational system among the Alagbeji, Okota, and Adeola ruling houses. He cites a Registered Declaration under Section 4 of the Chiefs Law (Cap 19) of the Revised Laws of Western Nigeria, 1962, which was adopted by Lagos State.
He asserts that his selection followed traditional rites and was confirmed through consultation with the Ifa oracle, with the majority support of the Kingmakers. He also alleges that Shekoni-Faronbi’s installation was carried out despite a pending legal dispute and without observing due process.
Yekini-Goloba maintains that the state authorities failed to act on his legitimate selection and instead approved an unlawful installation.
In addition to seeking the withdrawal of all instruments of office including the staff of office from Shekoni-Faronbi, the prince is demanding N50 million in costs related to the legal action.
Among the reliefs he seeks are: A declaration that the Alagbeji Ruling House is next in line to produce the Osolo of Isolo.
A confirmation that his nomination and selection complied with Isolo’s customary laws.
A court order compelling the Lagos State Government and relevant officials to install him as the rightful Osolo.
A declaration that the appointment of Shekoni-Faronbi is invalid and unlawful.
The case is expected to bring clarity to the chieftaincy dispute that has stirred tensions within the Isolo community.
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