Royal Family Urges Sanwo-Olu to Appoint Prince Kosoko as Oloja of Lagos

Table of Contents

1. Appeal to the Governor
2. Delay in Installation
3. Vacant Stool
4. Succession Process
5. Kingmakers' Decision
6. Judicial Clarification
7. Entitlement to the Throne
8. Commitment to Respect

The Akinsanya Olojo Family, a branch of the King Kosoko Royal Dynasty in Lagos, has appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to approve and install Prince Abiola Olojo-Kosoko as the next Oloja of Lagos.

The family expressed concern that Prince Abiola was officially selected as Oloja-elect on December 12, 2020, yet remains uninstalled four years after his selection.

This appeal was made in a statement directed to the governor and shared with key state officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Chairman of Lagos Island Local Government, and the Council of Heads of the Kosoko Royal Family. The statement was signed by Prince Theophilus Olojo-Kosoko, General Secretary of the Akinsanya Olojo-Kosoko Ruling House.

The family emphasized the urgency of installing the Oloja, stating that further delays are unwarranted and unjustifiable.

They mentioned that a follow-up letter dated November 28, 2025, had been sent to the relevant authorities, again requesting prompt action.

According to the ruling house, the stool became vacant with the passing of Chief Adebola Idris Disu Ige on December 23, 2017, making the timely installation of the chosen successor essential.

They recalled that a 16-member committee had reviewed the succession process and instructed the Akinsanya Olojo Ruling House to nominate a candidate in accordance with established customs and chieftaincy procedures.

Subsequent screening and traditional interviews took place at the Kosoko Palace on October 7, 2020, involving four candidates: Prince Abiola Olojo-Kosoko, the late Prince Shola Olojo-Kosoko, Prince Issa Adeyemi Aregbesola, and Mr. Abiola Yakubu Aromashodu of the Odunsi Ruling House.

The kingmakers concluded that Prince Abiola was the most qualified and declared him Oloja-elect on December 12, 2020, in line with the Lagos State Obas and Chiefs Law and the prevailing 1983 Registered Declaration.

The family reiterated that neither the judgment of Justice Obadina from the Lagos State High Court nor that of the Court of Appeal undermined the 1983 Registered Declaration, which establishes the succession framework.

They noted that despite letters dated September 26, 2023, and February 20, 2024, affirming compliance with all statutory requirements, the state government has not yet granted approval for the installation.

“At this point, we must assert that it is the descendants of King Kosoko, the 10th King of Lagos and the 1st Oloja of Lagos, who have the rightful claim to the throne,” the statement declared.

“The Akinsanya Olojo Ruling House is next in line to propose a candidate, and this tradition must be upheld for the dignity of the stool and in accordance with the Akarigbere class hierarchy. We hope to be invited for discussions to resolve the extended delay in confirming and installing Prince Abiola Olojo-Kosoko.”

The family affirmed that they will continue to act with respect and in accordance with the laws governing chieftaincy matters in Lagos State.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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