The succession crisis surrounding the Osolo of Isolo stool in Lagos has deepened, as Prince Jimmy Adetokunbo Yekini-Goloba has formally challenged the recent installation of Prince Isa Abiodun Shekoni-Faronbi as monarch, despite an ongoing legal dispute.

In a pre-action protocol memorandum of claim addressed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Olanrewaju Fagbohun, acting on behalf of Prince Yekini-Goloba, accused the Lagos State Government of acting unlawfully by proceeding with the installation of Shekoni-Faronbi while litigation over the succession was still pending.

The memorandum, dated April 15, 2025, explained that the throne became vacant following the death of the former Osolo, Oba Kabiru Ajani Adelaja Agbabiaka, on April 10, 2024. Following this, the Oshodi-Isolo Local Government directed the Alagbeji Ruling House to nominate candidates, leading to the selection of Yekini-Goloba by the Isolo Kingmakers after consultations with the Ifa oracle.

Yekini-Goloba’s nomination was subsequently ratified by local government authorities and endorsed by the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, with no objections initially raised. However, a faction led by Chief Taoridi Faronbi later filed a lawsuit challenging the process.

The suit Suit No: ID/12095GCM/2024 sought to restrain the Lagos State Government from installing any candidate as Osolo until the court ruled on the matter.

Despite the pending case, Shekoni-Faronbi was installed as the Osolo of Isolo on March 28, 2025, a move Yekini-Goloba’s legal team described as a violation of the doctrine of lis pendens, which forbids actions that could prejudice the outcome of a court case in progress.

“The installation constitutes a grave breach of due process and threatens the integrity of the judicial system,” the memorandum stated. “It disregards the ongoing lawsuit and undermines peace and stability in Isolo.”

Prince Yekini-Goloba is now seeking multiple court orders, including:

  • A declaration that he remains the lawful Oba-elect of Isolo;

  • The nullification of Shekoni-Faronbi’s installation;

  • An order for the recovery of all paraphernalia of office from Shekoni-Faronbi; and

  • A directive compelling the Lagos State Government to proceed with his rightful installation.

His legal team also expressed openness to an amicable resolution, proposing that the state government reverse the installation and recognize Yekini-Goloba as the legitimate Osolo of Isolo.