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Prince Abiola Olojo-Kosoko has asserted that he remains the only duly recognised Oloja-elect of Lagos, insisting that his emergence complied strictly with the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs of Lagos State Law.
In an interview with journalists, the culture and tourism expert said his selection followed a lawful, transparent and widely endorsed process within the Kosoko Royal Family, describing contrary claims as the outcome of what he termed a “palace coup” by some family members.
He explained that the Oloja of Lagos chieftaincy institution recognises nine ruling houses, noting that the Akinsanya Olojo Ruling House, his ancestral lineage, was the next in line for succession.
According to him, his nomination was endorsed by the kingmakers after a comprehensive screening exercise that commenced after the death of the last Oloja, Chief Adebola Idris Disu Ige, in 2017.
He said the process culminated in December 2020 when all nine kingmakers unanimously elected him as Oloja-elect.
He further stated that the Akinsanya Olojo Ruling House first conducted an internal screening of aspirants before forwarding his name to the Oloja-in-Council for ratification.
He added that a subsequent rerun of the process, supervised by legal advisers, reaffirmed his emergence, while aspirants from other ruling houses were disqualified in accordance with the registered chieftaincy declaration.
He said his formal presentation at the Ereko Palace on December 31, 2020, followed by an approval letter from the Olori-Ebi in January 2021, effectively concluded the family’s nomination process.
However, he expressed concern that more than five years after his ratification, the required consent from the Oba of Lagos has yet to be granted.
He also faulted claims by another aspirant, Prince Jide Kosoko, describing them as illegal and inconsistent with the established custom, arguing that the Oteniya Ruling House was not next in the line of succession.
He said the dispute compelled his ruling house to seek judicial interpretation in order to safeguard the integrity of the chieftaincy institution.
Explaining why the matter is now before the court, he said the legal action was necessary to stop what he described as “greed-driven manipulation” within the royal family.
While acknowledging Prince Kosoko as an elder and former associate, he maintained that no legitimate process produced another Oloja-elect.
