The legal and traditional battle over the newly created Oko Baba Agba Obaship stool in the Oworonshoki area of Lagos State has escalated dramatically. Oba Kabiru Adesegun Basiru has officially appealed a High Court ruling that suspended his installation and halted his upcoming coronation, while simultaneously seeking an urgent stay of execution to allow the ceremonies to proceed.
​The legal tussle stems from an order issued on Friday, November 6, 2026, by Justice D. T. Olatokun of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja under Suit No. ID/9885GCMW/2023. The ruling granted an order of mandatory injunction directing all parties to maintain the status quo that existed prior to Basiru’s appointment, effectively nullifying the official recognition granted to him by the Lagos State Government pending the resolution of the substantive suit.
​The interlocutory suit was instituted by seven claimants led by Prince Adeniyi Saliu, alongside Mistura Saliu, Akinola Saliu, Biliaminu Saliu, Akibu Owoseni, Rosulu Seidu, and Lukmon Olaoluwa. Named as defendants in the suit are the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; the Attorney-General of Lagos State; HRM Babatunde Saliu, the Oloworo of Oworo Kingdom; and Chief Kabiru Adesegun Basiru.
​The dispute follows the decision of the Lagos State Executive Council on August 14, 2026, when the state officially approved and confirmed Chief Kabiru Adesegun Basiru as the Olu of Oko Baba Agba, presenting him with his official Staff of Office.
However, the claimants successfully sought judicial intervention, leading to Justice Olatokun’s November 6 ruling that restrained state authorities from according official recognition to Basiru and barred him from parading himself as the traditional ruler.
​In response, legal representatives for Oba Kabiru Basiru filed a Notice of Appeal and an application for a Stay of Execution on November 9, 2026. The filing aims to suspend the high court’s order and safeguard the planned coronation activities scheduled for mid-November 2026 in Oworonshoki, Kosofe Local Government Area.
Meanwhile, the High Court has adjourned the substantive suit until January 26, 2027, for a Case Management Conference (CMC).
​Addressing the legal developments, the monarch’s legal team issued a statement asserting that the creation of the Oko Baba Agba Obaship stool is rooted in the findings of the Standing Tribunal of Inquiry into Chieftaincy Matters in Lagos State, chaired by Justice T. Ojikutu-Oshode (Mrs.).
​”The tribunal considered the historical background and traditional circumstances recounted by the late Oloworo of Oworoshoki Kingdom, HRM Oba Oloruntoyin Bashir Saliu,” the monarch’s legal representatives stated. “It recommended the recognition of Oko Baba Agba as a distinct traditional community and the elevation of the Kekeniju Opemoluwa chieftaincy title to a Second-Class Obaship stool. These recommendations were duly approved by the Executive Council of Lagos State, forming the foundation for his appointment.”
​Speaking on behalf of the monarch, his legal counsel emphasized their determination to pursue the matter at the appellate level. Counsel affirmed that their client remains dissatisfied with the High Court order, has taken all necessary steps at the Court of Appeal, and remains committed to bringing the process to its lawful conclusion so the coronation of the Olu can proceed in accordance with the law.
​At the same time, traditional and community leaders in Oworonshoki have stepped in to maintain order. Speaking on behalf of local traditional organizers, community leader Omoba Rasheed Awofeso appealed for calm across Kosofe Local Government Area, urging all opposing factions to exercise restraint and avoid any actions capable of breaching public peace while the court proceedings run their course.
