The Court of Appeal sitting in Igbosere, Lagos, has adjourned hearing in the legal dispute over the stool of the Abowa of Agbowa-Ikosi in the Ejinrin-Ikosi Local Council Development Area of Lagos State.
The case involves Saheed Owolabi Momson Aduloju, who is challenging an earlier judgment that removed him as the traditional ruler of the community.
The appellate court fixed October 28 for continuation of hearing after lawyers representing parties in the matter agreed to the adjournment.
During proceedings, counsel to the Mabudeje Royal Family, Femi Falana, urged the court to allow the matter proceed on its substantive issues without unnecessary delays caused by procedural arguments.
The panel hearing the case is made up of Justices Boloukuromo Moses Ugo, Samuel Ademola Bola and Polycarp Terna Kwahar.
Lawyers representing both sides did not oppose the adjournment date fixed by the court.
The dispute is linked to an earlier judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal on May 30, 2024, in Suit No. CA/LAG/CV/1104/2023.
The judgment was delivered by a panel consisting of Justices Muhammed Mustapha, Paul Ahmed Bassi and Ngozi Uwazurunoye Okaisabor.
In that ruling, the appellate court overturned an earlier decision of the lower court delivered on March 24, 2023, and ordered the removal of Aduloju as the Abowa of Agbowa-Ikosi.
The court also affirmed the right of the Mabudeje Royal Family to produce a candidate for the vacant stool and directed the family to begin the nomination process for a new traditional ruler.
However, Aduloju has continued to challenge the judgment, insisting that he was not properly informed about the appeal proceedings that eventually led to his removal.
According to him, he was not duly served with the Notice of Appeal and did not have the opportunity to defend himself before the judgment was delivered.
His legal team argued that failure to properly serve court processes on affected parties could amount to a breach of fair hearing, which is guaranteed under Nigerian law.
On the other hand, lawyers representing the Mabudeje Royal Family maintained that all parties involved in the case were properly served throughout the legal process.
They also stated that the Attorney-General of Lagos State and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs were represented during the proceedings that led to the judgment.
The royal dispute has attracted attention within Agbowa-Ikosi and neighbouring communities, where traditional leadership matters often carry deep cultural and historical importance.
In many Yoruba communities, traditional rulers play major roles in maintaining peace, preserving culture and serving as custodians of customs and traditions.
Disputes over royal stools are also common in different parts of Nigeria, especially when there are disagreements among ruling houses over succession rights and nomination processes.
Such disputes sometimes lead to prolonged court battles involving royal families, community leaders and government authorities.
In Lagos State, chieftaincy matters are usually regulated by laws guiding the selection, approval and recognition of traditional rulers.
The state government, through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, often supervises processes relating to kingship selection and recognition.
The Agbowa-Ikosi monarch dispute is one of several traditional leadership cases that have found their way to higher courts in recent years.
Residents of the community have continued to monitor developments closely because of the importance of the stool to local affairs and unity within the area.
Some stakeholders have also appealed for peaceful conduct among supporters of the parties involved while the legal process continues.
Traditional institutions remain highly respected across many parts of Nigeria despite the existence of modern political structures.
Many communities still rely on monarchs for conflict resolution, cultural preservation and support for local development initiatives.
Because of this, disputes involving traditional leadership often attract strong emotions and public interest.
The latest adjournment means parties in the matter will return to court on October 28 for further hearing.
Until the case is finally resolved, uncertainty is likely to remain over the leadership of the Agbowa-Ikosi traditional stool.
Residents and community leaders are hopeful that the court process will eventually bring clarity and lasting peace to the longstanding royal dispute.