The Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has nullified the appointment and installation of Prince Bayo Iginla as the Olu of Iju Ishaga, citing a brazen violation of an earlier court order.
Justice (Dr.) L.A.M. Folami delivered the ruling in Court 20 of the General Civil Division, granting all four prayers sought by the claimants.
The claimants—Chief Adams Akande Balogun (head of the Arayomi Aiyeteru Ruling Family), Mr. Bashiru Alamu Balogun, and Mr. Rasheed Adewole Balogun, filed the suit on behalf of their family, asserting that their ruling house is next in line to produce the traditional ruler of Iju Ishaga.
The court ruled on a Motion on Notice dated December 31, 2024, which sought to challenge the Lagos State Executive Council’s approval and subsequent installation of Prince Iginla during the pendency of the suit.
Despite a court order made on December 18, 2024, mandating all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum, the installation went ahead prompting the claimants to seek redress.
Justice Folami, in his decision, found that the installation ceremony was conducted in “total disobedience” of the existing court order and amounted to contempt of court.
The judge held that the defendants, particularly the 1st Defendant (Chief Isaac Kolawole Akinbami of the Akinbami Ruling House), had “stolen a match” on the claimants during the litigation process.
Citing legal authorities including Statoil (Nig.) Ltd v Star Deep Waters Petroleum Ltd and NDIC v Savannah Bank, the court emphasized that mandatory injunctions are appropriate remedies in cases where court orders are flouted in such a manner.
Accordingly, Justice Folami granted the following reliefs:
1. Set aside the approval granted by the Lagos State Executive Council for the appointment and installation of Prince Bayo Iginla.
2. Nullify the installation ceremony conducted in violation of the court’s directive.
3. Restraining order against Prince Iginla from parading himself as Olu of Iju Ishaga.
4. Mandate that the Lagos State Government, including the Attorney-General, Ministry of Local Government, and officials of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government, refrain from recognizing Iginla’s installation or extending any emoluments to him.
The court gave the defendants 14 days to file an affidavit of compliance ahead of the next adjourned date.
Appearing for the claimants were legal counsels Tokunbo Olaniyi and Chuks Dike, while A.S. Oyewale-Freeman represented the defendants.
This ruling marks a significant development in the ongoing legal tussle over the Olu of Iju Ishaga chieftaincy, and signals a stern warning against disobedience of judicial orders in traditional stool disputes.
