A fresh succession dispute has erupted within the Kosoko Royal Family in Lagos, as members of the Akinsanya Olojo Ruling House have approached the Lagos State High Court to challenge moves to begin a new nomination process for the vacant Oloja of Lagos stool.
The suit was filed by the head of the Akinsanya Olojo Ruling House, Surajudeen Abiodun Olojo-Kosoko, alongside another claimant. The defendants include the Oba of Lagos, Rilwanu Akiolu, and six other parties.
Counsel to the claimants, Olusegun Fabunmi (SAN), said the legal action became necessary after authorities allegedly failed to recognize the earlier nomination of Abiola Olojo-Kosoko for the traditional position.
According to him, the family was taken aback by a letter dated March 3, 2026, from the Lagos Island Local Council requesting the Kosoko Royal Family to nominate a candidate between Abdul Rafiu Babajide Akanni Kosoko and Mukaila Olanrewaju Kosoko for the stool.
Fabunmi explained that the request followed a February 20, 2026, correspondence from the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, which referred to an earlier letter from the Oba of Lagos mentioning the two princes.
He argued that the directive ignored a previous selection process conducted in accordance with the Oloja of Lagos Chieftaincy Family Declaration of 1983.
According to him, Abiola Olojo-Kosoko had been unanimously elected by the nine kingmakers from the ruling houses on December 12, 2020. The candidate was later presented to members of the royal family at King Kosoko Palace on Ereko Street, Lagos Island, on December 31, 2020.
Fabunmi added that traditional and administrative steps towards his installation began in 2021 after he fulfilled the necessary requirements under the Lagos State Obas and Chiefs Law.
The claimants are now seeking a court declaration affirming that it is the exclusive turn of the Akinsanya Olojo Ruling House to produce the Oloja of Lagos and that Abiola Olojo-Kosoko, having been screened and elected by the kingmakers, is the rightful successor to the stool.
They have also filed an application for an interlocutory injunction to restrain relevant government agencies and other parties from taking further steps regarding the chieftaincy process pending the outcome of the case.
Fabunmi urged authorities, including the Lagos Island Local Council, to avoid actions that could prejudice the matter, citing the Supreme Court judgment in Military Governor of Lagos State v. Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu (1986), which bars parties from resorting to self-help once a dispute is before the court.
Copies of the court filings have been forwarded to the Lagos State Attorney-General, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Oba of Lagos, and other stakeholders involved in the dispute.
