King Kosoko Family Dismisses Petition Over Oloja Stool, Affirms Prince Jide Kosoko As Oloja-elect

The King Kosoko Royal Family has rejected a petition circulating over the stool of the Oloja of Lagos, describing it as misleading, hypocritical and aimed at distorting the facts surrounding the emergence of Prince (Dr) Abdulrafiu Babajide Akanni Kosoko as the Oloja of Lagos-elect.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Thursday, the family said there was no crisis within the ruling house, insisting that the recent developments merely reflected what it called a “lawful and traditional correction” of an earlier error.

“There is no crisis —only a firm, lawful, and traditional correction of a monumental error,” the family said, while setting out to clarify the withdrawal of Prince Abiola Olojo Kosoko and the subsequent appointment of Prince Abdulrafiu Babajide Akanni Kosoko.

Reacting to the petition allegedly written by Prince Surajudeen Abiodun Olojo-Kosoko and Prince Theophilus Olojo-Kosoko to the Lagos State Government, the family accused the petitioners of acting in bad faith, noting that they were present when the decisive resolution was reached.

“It is both shocking and duplicitous that the authors of the petition are now feigning ignorance of a decision they actively participated in,” the statement said.

According to the family, the petitioners, alongside Prince Abiola Olojo Kosoko, attended a crucial meeting held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the residence of the Olori Ebi General, Alhaja Mutiat Ashabi Ali-Balogun.

At the meeting, heads of the various family branches reportedly reviewed the situation surrounding the Oloja stool and unanimously resolved to appoint a new Oloja-elect in order to preserve the family’s integrity.

“At that meeting, it was collectively agreed that a new Oloja of Lagos-elect be appointed and subsequently presented to the wider family at a general meeting scheduled for January 27, 2026,” the family stated, adding that claims of “unlawful imposition” were “a direct assault on the truth.”

The family also questioned the prolonged delay in the installation of Prince Abiola Olojo Kosoko, who was named Oloja-elect in 2020 but had not been installed as of 2026.

“If an Oloja-elect appointed since 2020 could not be installed six years later, then something must clearly be wrong somewhere,” the statement noted.

The King Kosoko Royal Family further cautioned against linking the appointment of Prince Abdulrafiu Babajide Akanni Kosoko to the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwanu Osuolale Okikiola Aremu Akiolu, describing such claims as misleading.

“Dragging the revered Oba of Lagos into this matter is disingenuous. His Royal Majesty has nothing to do with the appointment of the new Oloja of Lagos-elect and did not impose anyone on the family,” the statement said. “The decision was taken solely by the King Kosoko Royal Family.”

While stressing that the family had exercised restraint to avoid public embarrassment, it issued a warning to those it accused of stirring unnecessary controversy.

“Our patience is not infinite. All parties are advised to desist from provoking the Family Authority,” the family warned. “We have no desire for dirty public fights, but we will not hesitate to expose the full extent of these abnormalities if the provocation continues.”

Describing the development as the beginning of a new chapter, the family said Prince Abdulrafiu Babajide Akanni Kosoko was formally presented as Oloja of Lagos-elect at Iga Kosoko on January 27, 2027, in what it described as a ceremony symbolising progress and unity.

“The King Kosoko Royal Family is moving forward into a new era of glory,” the statement declared.

The family urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the general public to disregard the petition, which it said was driven by personal grievances rather than tradition or law.

“Aggrieved persons are free to seek redress through appropriate channels, but the authority of the King Kosoko Royal Family is non-negotiable,” the statement concluded.