• Onikoyi Royal Family rejects alleged imposition of Prince Kunle Fafunwa as Onikoyi of Ikoyi and Moba Land
  • The family appeals to Governor Sanwo-Olu, accuses Tinubu of undue political interference
  • Legal battle ongoing as Lagos High Court hears mandamus suit to enforce succession laws

Ikoyi, Lagos — A deepening chieftaincy crisis is brewing in Lagos State as the Onikoyi Royal Family of Ikoyi and Moba Land has raised strong objections to the planned installation of Prince Kunle Fafunwa as the next Onikoyi of Ikoyi, accusing the Lagos State Government and former President Bola Tinubu of orchestrating an unlawful process.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, the royal family described the move as “illegal and contrary to the Onikoyi Chieftaincy Declaration and the Obas and Chiefs Law of Lagos State.” They urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene and stop what they called “a brazen violation of royal succession laws.”

According to the family, following the death of Oba Patrick Ibikunle Onikoyi in 2023, a formal family meeting was held in December 2023 where Prince Abdul Omogbolahan Sulaimon Onikoyi of the Ojulari Branch was unanimously selected as the rightful successor, in line with the Onikoyi Chieftaincy Declaration of 2006.

“The Ojulari Branch is next in line, as the last monarch was from the Fafunwa Branch,” the family clarified, adding that notifications were sent to the Eti-Osa Local Government Chairman, the Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, and Governor Sanwo-Olu.

However, the family claims no official response was received, while Prince Kunle Fafunwa, son of the late Oba Patrick Fafunwa Onikoyi, is allegedly boasting of his imminent installation due to political backing from President Tinubu and his associates.

“This is an SOS call to His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The imposition of Prince Fafunwa defies tradition, law, and equity. The Onikoyi family will not accept it,” the family said.

Court Action and Controversial Ruling

The family has filed a legal suit at the Lagos State High Court seeking a mandamus order to compel the government to follow due process. The case is currently before Justice Opesanwo with the next hearing set for September 18, 2025.

The dispute is further complicated by a Lagos High Court ruling on July 3, 2025, which nullified all appointments made by the late Oba Patrick Fafunwa Onikoyi, including his Chiefs-In-Council. The family insists that any attempt to install Prince Fafunwa would violate this ruling.

“We believe facts have been misrepresented to the Governor. Prince Fafunwa’s installation would not only be illegal but could trigger unrest across Ikoyi and Moba Land,” the statement warned.