Royal Chieftaincy Battle Heads to Court in January
A significant legal confrontation over the traditional leadership of Ikoyi and Moba land is set to continue in the new year. The Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja has officially scheduled January 19, 2026 for the hearing of a lawsuit filed by members of the Onikoyi royal family.
The legal action challenges the appointment and installation of Prince Kunle Fafunwa as the Oba Onikoyi, marking a pivotal moment in this chieftaincy controversy that has divided the royal household.
Legal Proceedings and Representation
Justice O. A. Oresanya fixed the hearing date after the case came up for mention and for further hearing and determination of pending applications. The courtroom witnessed a gathering of legal heavyweights representing both sides of the dispute.
The claimants are represented by a formidable legal team including Jimoh Lasisi (SAN) and former Lagos Attorney-General Adeniji Kazeem (SAN). On the opposing side, Wale Adesokan (SAN) appeared for the 4th defendant in what promises to be a closely watched legal battle.
Parties Involved in the Dispute
The claimants bringing the action on behalf of the Onikoyi Chieftaincy family include prominent family members:
- Otunba Abdul Ganiyi Kolawole Onikoyi
- Prince Akinola Oyeniyi Fafunwa
- Prince Abdul Waliu Omogbolahan Sulaimon
- Chief Hassan Kehinde Elegushi
- Alhaji Musiliu Abidemi Onikoyi
- Alhaja Wosilat Quadri
- Mrs Adeola Davies
- Prince Babatunde Onikoyi
- Prince Babatunde Shadeko
- Alhaji Ashraf Akinyemi Esinlokun
The defendants named in the suit are:
- The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos State
- The Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development
- Eti-Osa Local Government
- Prince Kunle Fafunwa
Legal Grounds and Demands
The claimants are contesting the legality of Prince Fafunwa's appointment through their counsel, Mr Ademola Ekundayo of Hill City Associates, Ikeja. They have filed for several declaratory and injunctive reliefs, arguing that the entire process of selection, approval, and installation was fundamentally flawed.
Central to their argument is the claim that the process violated the Onikoyi Chieftaincy Declaration of 2006 and the Obas and Chiefs Law of Lagos State, which govern succession to the Onikoyi stool. The family members maintain that these violations render Fafunwa's appointment illegal, null, and void.
The plaintiffs are specifically requesting the court to:
- Set aside Fafunwa's appointment entirely
- Restrain him from presenting himself as Oba Onikoyi
- Direct the Lagos State Government to confirm and install Prince Abdul Waliu Omogbolahan Sulaimon as the rightful monarch
Next Steps in the Legal Process
With the matter now adjourned to January 19, 2026, all parties will have additional time to prepare their arguments and evidence. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for traditional leadership structures in Lagos State and set important precedents for future chieftaincy disputes.
The resolution of this royal family conflict will determine not only who occupies the Onikoyi stool but also how chieftaincy declarations are interpreted and enforced across the state. The January hearing represents a critical juncture in this ongoing traditional leadership controversy.
