Veteran and legendary Nigerian film professional, Prince Jide Kosoko, has called on the media and members of the public to exercise caution in commenting on the ongoing dispute surrounding the Oloja of Lagos stool, stressing that the matter is currently before a court of competent jurisdiction.
Prince Kosoko made the call in response to a recent interview granted by a member of the Olojo chieftaincy family, insisting that he was not engaged in any contest with any individual over the traditional position.
The veteran actor and royal family member stated that he had deliberately refrained from discussing the matter publicly but decided to speak out to provide clarity and prevent misinformation.
“Ordinarily, I do not speak about this issue in the public space, as I am not in competition with any individual. However, to set the record straight, I would like to clarify a few critical facts regarding the situation,” Prince Kosoko said.
He further urged journalists and interested parties to channel all official inquiries concerning the matter through the appropriate family institution.
“Moving forward, all institutional questions regarding these matters should be directed to the King Kosoko Royal Family through the Palace Secretariat,” he added.
Prince Kosoko noted that the dispute over the Oloja stool is sub judice, explaining that the legal action was instituted by the Olojo-Kosoko branch of the family.
According to him, the claimants had sought an injunction against the Lagos State Government, the Oba of Lagos, himself and other parties, but the court declined the request.
“It is important for the media and the public to note that this entire matter is currently subjudice—it is before a court of competent jurisdiction. For context, the Olojo-Kosoko branch of the family were actually the parties who initiated this legal action,” he said.
He added that instead of granting an injunction, the court ordered an accelerated hearing of the case and directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the suit.
“The court refused to grant the request for an injunction. Rather, it ordered an accelerated hearing of the matter and directed the maintenance of status quo ante bellum, an order that remains legally binding on all parties involved,” Prince Kosoko explained.
He also reaffirmed the position of Mama Olori-Ebi, Alhaja Mutiat Ali-Balogun as the legally recognised head of the King Kosoko Royal Family, noting that she remains the only authority empowered to approve transactions relating to family properties.
He recalled that Mama Olori-Ebi had earlier issued a public notice warning members of the public against dealing with any individual family member on matters concerning family assets without her express consent or that of the family’s lawyer, Barrister Tokunbo King.
“The public and the media should be reminded that Mama Olori-Ebi remains the legally recognised and official Head of the King Kosoko Royal Family. She has already advised that no one should transact any business concerning family properties without her direct consent or through the designated family lawyer,” he stated.
Prince Kosoko said the overriding concern of the family leadership at this stage is to ensure peace, accountability and order within the palace pending the formal installation of the Oloja of Lagos.
“Mama’s primary focus at this time is to maintain absolute peace, accountability and orderliness within the Palace until the Oloja of Lagos is officially installed. She strongly advises the general public to remain vigilant and not fall into any individual’s selfish trap,” he said.
He appealed to all parties to respect the judicial process and avoid actions capable of escalating tensions within the royal family, expressing confidence that the courts would eventually resolve all outstanding issues.
