Lagos court restrains gov, others over Onise of Ise selection

A Lagos State High Court has placed a temporary halt on the recognition and installation of a purported Oba-elect for Ise Kingdom in Epe Local Government Area. The injunction restrains the Lagos State government and other respondents from proceeding with any steps towards the appointment.

The order was granted by Justice S. Sonaike on Thursday following an ex-parte application filed by three individuals representing the Okouye Ruling House. They contend that the nomination process for the new monarch, specifically a letter dated March 30, 2026, purportedly nominating Ibrahim Saliu, violates the Obas and Chiefs of Lagos State Law, 2015, and the registered declaration governing the selection of the Onise of Ise stool.

The applicants urged the court to prevent the government and other respondents from acting on the letter or continuing any process to appoint Saliu as the Onise of Ise Kingdom. They argued that the nomination was contrary to the relevant laws.

In granting the interim relief, Justice Sonaike deemed the application meritorious, noting the "extremely fragile" nature of the subject matter. The judge emphasized that immediate intervention was necessary to prevent the potential dissipation of the 'res' (the object of the dispute) or placing it beyond the court's reach. The court also recognized that altering the kingdom's historical and cultural heritage could render any future judgment nugatory.