Oloja stool: Court orders parties to maintain status quo

The Lagos State High Court has mandated that all parties involved in the contentious Oloja of Lagos chieftaincy dispute must preserve the current situation pending the resolution of the substantive lawsuit. This order comes after Justice Olalekan Oresanya dismissed a preliminary objection that sought to question the court's authority to hear the case.

The objection was raised by Prince Babajide Kosoko, with the backing of the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu. The lawsuit itself was initiated by key members and representatives of the Akinsanya Olojo Ruling House, including Prince Surajudeen Olojo-Kosoko and Prince Abiola Kosoko, who is identified as the ruling house's chosen candidate.

Lawyers for Prince Babajide Kosoko argued that the chieftaincy dispute, concerning nomination and installation, falls under customary law and the Lagos State Obas and Chiefs Law, thus placing it outside the court's jurisdiction. However, the claimants countered, asserting that Prince Abiola Kosoko was duly nominated in 2020. They allege that subsequent efforts to process other candidates arose after a land-related disagreement.

In his ruling, Justice Oresanya found that the claimants had presented a valid cause of action requiring a full hearing. He stated that issues necessitating evidence could not be resolved at an preliminary stage and must be addressed during the main trial. Consequently, the judge dismissed the preliminary objection, finding no merit in it.

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I find no merit in the preliminary objection filed by the fifth defendant. The objection is overruled, and the application is accordingly dismissed.