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 gross disobedience of a subsisting court order and procedural irregularities.
Delivering judgment in Court 20 of the General Civil Division, Justice (Dr.) L.A.M. Folami granted all four reliefs sought by the claimants—Chief Adams Akande Balogun (Head of the Arayomi Aiyeteru Ruling Family), Mr. Bashiru Alamu Balogun, and Mr. Rasheed Adewole Balogun, who filed the suit on behalf of their family, claiming their house was next in line to produce the traditional ruler.
The ruling follows a Motion on Notice dated December 31, 2024, challenging the Lagos State Executive Council’s approval and subsequent installation of Prince Iginla, despite an earlier status quo order made by the court on December 18, 2024, directing all parties to halt further action.
In a strongly worded decision, Justice Folami declared that the installation went ahead in “total disobedience” of the court’s directive and constituted contempt of court.
The court found that the defendants, especially the 1st defendant—Chief Isaac Kolawole Akinbami of the Akinbami Ruling House—had acted in bad faith by proceeding with the installation during the pendency of the litigation.
“You do not steal a match on your opponent in the middle of litigation,” Justice Folami warned, citing Statoil (Nig.) Ltd v Star Deep Waters Petroleum Ltd and NDIC v Savannah Bank as precedents.
Court OrdersAs a result, the court granted the following:
1. Set aside the Lagos State Executive Council’s approval for Prince Iginla’s installation.
2. Nullify the installation ceremony conducted in breach of court orders.
3. Restraining order barring Prince Iginla from parading himself as the Olu of Iju Ishaga.
4. Mandate to the Lagos State Government, Attorney General, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and the Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government to cease all official recognition and benefits to Prince Iginla.
Justice Folami directed all defendants to file an affidavit of compliance within 14 days and warned against further disregard of court processes.
Legal representation was led by Tokunbo Olaniyi and Chuks Dike for the claimants, while A.S. Oyewale-Freeman appeared for the defendants.
The ruling marks a turning point in the intense dispute over the Olu of Iju Ishaga stool and reinforces the judiciary’s resolve to uphold the rule of law—even in sensitive matters involving traditional institutions.