The Olojo Kosoko Ruling House of Lagos State has accused unnamed individuals of using police officers to intimidate members of the family and interfere in the ongoing dispute over the Oloja of Lagos traditional stool.
The family alleged that despite a subsisting order of the Lagos State High Court directing all parties to maintain the status quo, police officers have continued to occupy the Oloja of Lagos Palace and restrict access to the premises.
The allegations were contained in a statement jointly signed by the head of the Olojo Kosoko Ruling House, Prince Surajudeen Abiodun Olojo-Kosoko, and the secretary of the family, Prince Theophilus Olojo-Kosoko.
According to the statement, the actions being taken at the palace are allegedly being carried out at the instance of influential individuals who are attempting to influence the outcome of the chieftaincy dispute.
The family said the development runs contrary to the judgment delivered by the Lagos State High Court on July 7, 2026.
It stated that Justice Oresanya had ordered all parties involved in the dispute over the Oloja of Lagos stool to preserve the status quo ante bellum pending the hearing and determination of the substantive case before the court.
The ruling house, however, alleged that instead of complying with the court order, police officers had been stationed at the palace, where they were allegedly preventing members of the family and other authorised visitors from entering the premises.
The family further claimed that the officers were providing protection for individuals it described as suspected thugs, a situation it said had heightened tension within the community.
It also alleged that Prince Abiola Olojo-Kosoko, whom it identified as the Oloja of Lagos-elect, together with other members of the ruling house, had received police invitation letters.
According to the statement, the invitations were allegedly initiated by the same individuals behind what the family described as the unlawful occupation of the palace.
Speaking on behalf of the ruling house, Prince Surajudeen expressed concern over the situation, warning that continued disregard for the court order could threaten peace on Lagos Island.
“The palace is currently under siege, and this direct violation of a court order is a recipe for a breakdown of law and order on Lagos Island,” he said.
He appealed to the Nigeria Police Force not to allow itself to be drawn into what he described as a civil chieftaincy dispute that is already before a competent court.
The ruling house maintained that the alleged deployment of police officers to the palace amounts to contempt of court, abuse of police powers and a violation of the constitutional rights of members of the family.
It called on the Lagos State Police Command to immediately withdraw officers from the palace and investigate the circumstances surrounding the invitation letters issued to members of the ruling house.
The family also urged the police to disregard what it described as false petitions allegedly submitted against its members and to remain neutral while the court determines the matter.
According to the statement, certified true copies of the court order, together with other relevant legal documents, have already been forwarded to the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State for necessary action.
It added that several key government officials and institutions had also been formally notified of the situation.
Those said to have been informed include the Inspector-General of Police, the Lagos State Attorney-General, the Registrar of the Lagos State High Court, the Oba of Lagos and the Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor.
The ruling house appealed to the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force to urgently intervene to ensure compliance with the court’s directive and prevent further escalation of the dispute.
It stressed that respect for court orders remains essential for maintaining public confidence in the justice system and preserving peace in the state.
Traditional leadership disputes are not uncommon in many parts of Nigeria, especially where different branches of ruling families lay claim to vacant traditional stools. Such disputes are often resolved through customary processes, state chieftaincy laws or the courts where disagreements arise over succession.
In Lagos State, traditional institutions continue to play important cultural and historical roles, particularly on Lagos Island, where royal families have for generations been involved in selecting occupants of traditional stools. As a result, disputes over succession often attract public attention because of the influence of traditional rulers within their communities.
The Olojo Kosoko Ruling House said it remains committed to resolving the matter through lawful means and urged all parties to respect the authority of the court.
The family expressed hope that the police hierarchy would act swiftly to ensure neutrality, enforce compliance with the court’s directive and safeguard peace on Lagos Island.
As of the time of filing this report, the Lagos State Police Command had not issued an official response to the allegations raised by the Olojo Kosoko Ruling House. Likewise, there was no immediate reaction from the individuals accused by the family of instigating the alleged police actions.
The case is expected to return to court for further proceedings as the parties continue their legal battle over the Oloja of Lagos traditional stool. Meanwhile, observers say all sides will be expected to comply with the court’s directives to prevent further tension and ensure that the dispute is settled through due legal process.