An Ikeja High Court has adjourned to January 19, 2026, the suit filed by members of the Onikoyi Royal Family challenging the selection and installation of Prince Kunle Fafunwa as the Oba Onikoyi of Ikoyi and Moba Land.
Justice Olalekan Oresanya moved the matter forward for further hearing and determination of pending applications after it came up for mention on Wednesday.
The courtroom premises were packed with family members and supporters from Ikoyi and Moba communities who trooped in large numbers to show solidarity with the embattled monarch.
The claimants were represented by Jimoh Lasisi (SAN) and former Lagos Attorney-General, Adeniji Kazeem (SAN), while the 4th defendant, Prince Fafunwa, was represented by Wale Adesokan (SAN).
The claimants—led by Otunba Abdul Ganiyi Kolawole Onikoyi and Prince Abdul Waliu Omogbolahan Sulaimon—are asking the court to declare the appointment of Prince Fafunwa illegal, arguing that his emergence violates the Onikoyi Chieftaincy Declaration of 2006 and the Obas and Chiefs Law of Lagos State.
They insist that due process was ignored and that no valid family meeting or public notice preceded his selection.
According to the family, the Muti Ruling House has ten branches, and under the rotational arrangement, it is the turn of the Ojubiari branch to produce the next Oba following the passing of the late Oba Patrick Ibikunle Fafunwa of the Fafunwa branch.
They therefore contend that the installation of his son, Prince Kunle Fafunwa, amounts to a breach of custom and established lineage rotation.
The claimants are seeking orders to nullify the selection and installation of the 4th defendant, restrain him from parading himself as Oba, and compel the Lagos State Government to confirm and install the 3rd claimant, Prince Abdul Waliu Sulaimon, as the rightful Oba Onikoyi.
They also alleged that several petitions sent to the government and Eti-Osa Local Government were ignored, prompting the court action.
During proceedings, counsel to the 4th defendant filed a Motion on Notice seeking to set aside the service of the Writ of Summons, arguing that Prince Fafunwa was not personally served.
Justice Oresanya adjourned the case to January 19, 2026, for continuation of hearing.
Reporting by WAHAB Akinlade