By Lukman Olabiyi
A fresh legal battle has erupted in Lagos State over the controversial installation of Prince Isa Abiodun Shekoni-Faronbi as the new Osolo of Isolo, despite a pending court case challenging the legitimacy of the succession process.
In a pre-action protocol memorandum dated April 15, 2025, addressed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Olanrewaju Fagbohun (SAN), representing Prince Jimmy Adetokunbo Yekini-Goloba, accused the Lagos State Government of violating due process and judicial integrity by proceeding with Shekoni-Faronbi’s installation while litigation on the matter was still ongoing.
The traditional throne of Isolo became vacant following the death of the former monarch, Oba Kabiru Ajani Adelaja Agbabiaka, on April 10, 2024.
Following his demise, the Oshodi-Isolo Local Government invited the Alagbeji Ruling House to submit candidates for succession.
After consultations with the Ifa oracle, Prince Yekini-Goloba was claimed to have been nominated and subsequently ratified by the local authorities and the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
However, a faction led by Chief Taoridi Faronbi later filed suit No: ID/12095GCM/2024, seeking to halt the installation process and restrain the state government from taking any further steps until the case was resolved by the court.
Despite the ongoing legal dispute, the Lagos State Government proceeded to install Shekoni-Faronbi who allegedly was neither a part of the selection process nor a party to the lawsuit as the Osolo of Isolo on March 28, 2025.
Yekini-Goloba’s legal team condemned the move, describing it as a violation of the legal principle of lis pendens, which prohibits actions that could interfere with pending court proceedings.
“The installation constitutes a grave breach of due process and threatens the integrity of the judicial system,” the memorandum stated.
The legal team is seeking several court orders, including a declaration that Yekini-Goloba remains the rightful Oba-elect, nullification of Shekoni-Faronbi’s installation, retrieval of all royal paraphernalia from him, and a directive for the Lagos State Government to proceed with crowning Yekini-Goloba.
In a letter dated April 10, 2025, the lawyers also appealed directly to Governor Sanwo-Olu to intervene and reverse Shekoni-Faronbi’s installation pending the court’s verdict.
They urged the state to put administrative measures in place to maintain peace and fairness within the Isolo community.
When contacted, Adebayo Kehinde, spokesperson for the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, declined to comment on the matter, stating: “I can’t speak on the issue; I am sorry.”
The situation continues to generate tension in the Isolo kingdom as stakeholders await further legal and governmental action.