By: Manoah Kikekon
BADAGRY, LAGOS – The Badagry Judicial Division of the High Court of Lagos State has delivered a landmark judgment regarding the long-standing kingship tussle in the Iworo Kingdom. In a ruling that has sent shockwaves through the community, the court declared that the current occupant of the throne was not legally nominated, effectively leaving the ancient stool in a state of legal limbo.
The judgment, delivered on Monday, February 2, 2026, by Hon. Justice O.A. Adamson in Suit No: BD/3665GCMW/2017, followed nearly nine years of intense legal battles. The case was brought forward by Prince Karim Babatunde Adedeji, representing the Iga-Igbaji Ruling House, against the sitting monarch, Oladele Idris Kosoko, and several other defendants including state representatives.
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A Victory for the Iga-Igbaji Ruling House
In a significant win for the claimants, Justice Adamson ruled that according to the Chieftaincy Declaration registered on February 8, 1958, it is officially the turn of the Iga-Igbaji Ruling House to present a candidate for the stool of the Oba of Iworo. This declaration clarifies the rotational order of the kingship, which had been a primary point of contention for years.
The court further solidified this by declaring that the 5th Defendant (the current occupant) was not nominated by those entitled to do so under the Customary Law of Iworo Kingdom. Consequently, the court ruled that he was not entitled to be approved, appointed, or installed as the Oba by the state authorities.
The Claimant’s Stalled Ascent
However, the judgment did not result in an immediate coronation for the claimant. While the court recognized the Iga-Igbaji house as the rightful lineage to produce the next king, it refused the relief seeking to install Prince Karim Babatunde Adedeji immediately. The court noted that the processes required under customary law had not been fully satisfied to warrant a judicial installation.
Legal experts suggest that this "middle-ground" ruling creates a complex situation for the Iworo Kingdom. Because the court refused to grant a perpetual injunction, the administrative path forward remains clouded by the need for specific traditional rites and administrative approvals that the court cannot perform on behalf of the kingmakers.
Legal Limbo and Community Stability
Speaking with News Peddlers a revered legal practitioner who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, the expert noted that the "kingship seat of Iworo has been left floating." According to the source, the court found the current king's position legally untenable but stopped short of declaring the seat vacant to avoid potential civil unrest within the Badagry corridor.
Quoting the judgment, the lawyer said, "The court cannot declare the claimant as king because he has not yet performed the proper traditional rites required by law," the practitioner explained. "At the same time, the sitting king's foundation has been removed. It is a legal checkmate designed to force a proper traditional resolution. Meanwhile the judgment will be appealed."
Summary of Court Orders
Iga-Igbaji Turn to Rule: GRANTED (Based on 1958 Declaration)
Current King's Installation: DECLARED INVALID.
Installation of Claimant: REFUSED (Pending traditional rites)
Perpetual Injunction: REFUSED
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A History of the Legal Battle
This legal saga began in April 2017, originally filed by Prince Karim Babatunde Adedeji and the late Prince Wale Ewumi. Over the years, the case saw the joining of multiple defendants and survived the passing of the original co-claimant. The transition of the case through various judges, including Hon. Justice E.O. Ogundare in 2018, underscores the weight and complexity of Iworo’s traditional history.
As the community digests this ruling, all eyes are now on the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to see how the government will interpret the court's finding that the current occupant lacks the legal right to the throne.
Download Full Judgment: Here..