Royal Tussle: Court Restrains IGP, AIG, Oba Akiolu, Others From Arresting Oloja-Elect
The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has granted an injunction restraining security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, from harassing or unlawfully arresting Prince Abiola Olojo Kosoko, the Oloja-Elect of Lagos, pending the determination of a substantive suit.
The order, granted by the court presided over by Justice Musa Kakaki, came after an ex parte motion was filed by Prince Kosoko through his legal team led by Chief A.S. Abimbola.
Others affected by the court injunction in the suit marked FHC/L/CS/0426/2025, are the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Assistant Inspector General of Police (Zone II, Onikan, Lagos), the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Adamu Bello Muhammed, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Mariam Ogunmolasuyi, Inspector Ebere, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos, and Olumegbon Ajah Chieftaincy Family Property and Investments Company Limited, a subsidiary of the Olumegbon Royal Family.
The interim order restrains the respondents and their agents from “harassing, attempting to arrest, inviting, detaining, or unlawfully interfering with or violating the applicant’s right to personal liberty, dignity of the human person, and fair hearing as enshrined in Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution (as amended)” until the substantive motion is heard and determined.
Justice Kakaki, in granting the application, emphasised that the protection of constitutional rights was paramount and must not be infringed upon, especially during an ongoing legal dispute over a traditional leadership position.
The case stemmed from an alleged conflict surrounding the succession and recognition of the Oloja of Lagos, a key chieftaincy title within the Lagos royal hierarchy.
Prince Kosoko, a descendant of the Kosoko royal family, claimed he has been subjected to intimidation and threats since his emergence as Oloja-Elect.
In his affidavit, Prince Kosoko alleged that certain individuals and groups, with the support of security agencies, were attempting to undermine his position and forcefully prevent his recognition.
The court adjourned the matter to Thursday, September 11, 2025, for the hearing of the motion on notice, while directing that hearing notices be served on the first to fifth and seventh respondents.
86drhu