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LAGOS, Nigeria - A new legal dispute is emerging in Lagos State concerning the appointment of Prince Isa Abiodun Shekoni-Faronbi as the Osolo of Isolo, despite an ongoing court case that questions the succession process.
In a pre-action protocol memorandum directed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Olanrewaju Fagbohun, SAN, representing Prince Jimmy Adetokunbo Yekini-Goloba, accused the Lagos State Government of unlawfully appointing Shekoni-Faronbi as the monarch while legal proceedings are still pending.
The memorandum, dated April 15, 2025, notes that the traditional position became vacant following the death of the previous Osolo, Oba Kabiru Ajani Adelaja Agbabiaka, on April 10, 2024.
The Oshodi-Isolo Local Government subsequently invited the Alagbeji Ruling House to nominate candidates, resulting in Yekini-Goloba being chosen by the Isolo Kingmakers after consultations with the Ifa oracle.
Yekini-Goloba’s nomination was ratified by local government authorities and confirmed by the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, with no objections until a faction led by Chief Taoridi Faronbi filed a lawsuit contesting the process.
The legal action, registered as Suit No: ID/12095GCM/2024, aimed to prevent the Lagos State Governor and other authorities from proceeding with any installation until the court resolved the matter.
However, the lawyer noted that while the case was still ongoing, the Lagos State Government unexpectedly installed Shekoni-Faronbi as the Osolo of Isolo on March 28, 2025, surprising stakeholders.
Yekini-Goloba's legal representatives argued that this act violated the principle of lis pendens, which prevents actions that could jeopardize ongoing judicial proceedings.
"The installation represents a serious breach of due process and undermines the integrity of the judicial system," the memorandum stated. "It disrupts the peaceful environment in Isolo and ignores the unresolved lawsuit."
Yekini-Goloba is requesting several court orders, including a declaration affirming him as the rightful Oba-elect, nullifying Shekoni-Faronbi's installation, reclaiming all insignia of office from him, and directing the state government to complete his own installation. The legal team also expressed their readiness to settle the disagreement amicably, suggesting that the Lagos State Government revoke the installation and crown Yekini-Goloba as the legitimate Osolo of Isolo.
The Lagos State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, spokesperson, Adebayo Kehinde, stated, refused to speak on the matter
