A new legal crisis is unfolding in Lagos State over the controversial installation of Prince Isa Abiodun Shekoni-Faronbi as the 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, senior lawyer Olanrewaju Fagbohun, SAN, representing Prince Jimmy Adetokunbo Yekini-Goloba, accused the Lagos State Government of flouting due process and undermining judicial authority by installing Shekoni-Faronbi while litigation over the royal succession remains unresolved.
The Isolo throne became vacant after the passing of Oba Kabiru Ajani Adelaja Agbabiaka on April 10, 2024. Following his death, the Oshodi-Isolo Local Government requested the Alagbeji Ruling House to nominate successors.
According to documents, Prince Yekini-Goloba was selected through traditional Ifa consultations and his candidacy was reportedly ratified by local authorities and the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
However, a rival faction led by Chief Taoridi Faronbi challenged the process in Suit No: ID/12095GCM/2024, filed at the Lagos High Court, seeking to halt the installation and restrain the state government from proceeding until the court rules.
Despite this legal dispute, the Lagos State Government went ahead to install Prince Shekoni-Faronbi as the new monarch on March 28, 2025—a move Yekini-Goloba’s legal team claims violates the legal principle of lis pendens, which bars parties from taking action on a matter under judicial consideration.
“This installation constitutes a grave breach of due process and threatens the integrity of the judicial system,” the memo warned, urging the government to uphold the rule of law.
Yekini-Goloba’s legal team is seeking:
In a separate letter dated April 10, 2025, the lawyers also petitioned Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene urgently and reverse Shekoni-Faronbi’s installation until the courts determine the rightful heir.
They further called for administrative safeguards to maintain peace and fairness within the Isolo community, warning that the hasty installation could escalate tensions.
When reached for comment, Adebayo Kehinde, spokesperson for the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, declined to address the issue. “I can’t speak on the matter; I am sorry,” he said.
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