The Olu of Oko Baba Agba in Oworoshoki, Lagos State, Oba Kabiru Adesegun Basiru, has challenged a Lagos State High Court ruling that nullified his installation as monarch, days before his scheduled coronation on November 16, 2026.
Basiru, through his legal representatives, D.A. Awosika, SAN & Partners, has filed a Notice of Appeal against the November 6 judgment, alongside applications seeking a stay of execution, an injunction pending appeal and other preservatory orders to safeguard the subject matter of the case.
The ruling was delivered in Suit No. ID/9885GCMW/2023, instituted by Prince Adeniyi Saliu and six others against the Lagos State Governor and four other defendants. The court granted the claimants' application for a mandatory injunction, overturning the nomination, appointment, approval and installation of Basiru as the Olu of Oko Baba Agba.
It also issued consequential orders prohibiting the monarch from presenting himself or acting as the Olu of Oko Baba Agba pending the determination of the substantive suit.
However, in his appeal dated November 6, 2026, Oba Basiru disputed the court's decision, citing what his legal team described as substantial questions of law.
In a statement released on Monday by Oladimeji Olabode of Awosika SAN & Partners Chambers, the monarch's counsel said the clarification was necessary to keep members of the community informed about the legal developments and efforts to safeguard their interests and traditional institution.
The legal team maintained that although the November 6 judgment represented a significant stage in the proceedings, the dispute was far from concluded, as steps were being taken to challenge the decision through the appropriate judicial process.
It said, “Dissatisfied with the decision, HRM Oba Kabiru Adesegun Basiru exercised his constitutional right of appeal by filing a Notice of Appeal dated 6 November 2026, challenging the decision on grounds raising substantial questions of law.”
The counsel further disclosed that applications seeking a stay of execution, an injunction pending appeal and other preservatory orders had been submitted to the court to prevent the appeal from being undermined.
“Furthermore, an application for stay of execution, injunction pending appeal and other preservatory orders has been filed before the Honourable Court to protect the subject matter of the appeal and ensure that the appellate process is not rendered nugatory,” the statement added.
According to the legal team, the law provides for the protection of matters before the courts and discourages actions by litigants that could frustrate judicial proceedings or compromise the effective determination of an appeal.
It therefore called on all parties involved to uphold the rule of law, maintain restraint and avoid any actions that could threaten the peace of Oworoshoki or obstruct the judicial process.
The counsel also insisted that the legal and institutional foundations of the Oko Baba Agba traditional institution were being defended, stressing that appropriate legal measures had been taken to contest the judgment.
Explaining the background to the creation of the traditional stool, the statement said it was established following recommendations by the Standing Tribunal of Inquiry into Chieftaincy Matters in Lagos State, chaired by Hon. Justice T. Ojikutiu-Oshode.
It explained that the tribunal examined the historical and traditional circumstances of the community based on the account presented by the late Oloworo of Oworoshoki Kingdom, HRM Oba Oloruntoyin Bashir Saliu.
The tribunal subsequently recommended that Oko Baba Agba be recognised as an independent traditional community and that the Kekeniju Opemoluwa chieftaincy title in Oworoshoki be elevated to a Second-Class Obaship stool, to be known as the Olu of Oko Baba Agba.
The statement noted that the recommendation went through the relevant government approval procedures before the Lagos State Executive Council approved and confirmed Basiru's appointment as the Olu of Oko Baba Agba.
“These developments formed the foundation for his subsequent appointment and installation,” the counsel stated.
The monarch's legal representatives appealed to residents to remain calm, preserve communal harmony and avoid actions that could jeopardise the ongoing court proceedings.
“Our commitment remains to see the process through to its lawful conclusion and to the eventual realisation of the coronation of our Olu in accordance with the law,” the statement added.