Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo of a Lagos High Court Ikeja, has affirmed the nomination of Prince Owolabi Saheed Momson, as the Agbowa of Agbowa Ikosi, in Ikosi-Ejinrin Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State.
The judgment has brought to an end the long time tussle within the Mabudeje Royal family, over the enthronement of a right candidate for the stool of Agbowa-Ikosi, following the demise of Oba Joseph Bolaji Odumeru on November 7, 2012.
As a result of the death of Oba Odumeru, the stool became vacant for close to 11 years until the Mabudeje Royal family filed a suit in 2015 over the right candidate to occupy the throne.
Justice Lawal-Akapo in his judgment said Momson was duly and validly nominated, and selected for the stool. He also ordered the Lagos State government to put the necessary machinery in place for the actualisation of Momson’s nomination.
The suit marked number IKD/1124/GCMW/15 was filed by Prince Babatunde Adenusi, Chief Jamiu Arole Yinusa, Mr. Lateef Shipe and Mr. Lateef Adenuga.
They sued for themselves and as representatives of the Mabudeje Royal family of Agbowa-Ikosi. The plaintiffs filed the suit against the governor of Lagos State; Attorney General of Lagos State; Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs; Executive Secretary, Ikosi/Ejirin LCDA, Agbowa and High Chief S. O. Odufowora, the Aro of Agbowa-Ikosi (for himself and on behalf of the Kingmakers of Agbowa-Ikosi).
Other respondents in the suit were Pa. Johnson Ogundeko, Head of Aduloju family (for himself and on behalf of the Aduloju family of Agbowa-Ikosi) and Pa Amusa Bello Dawodu (for himself and on behalf of the Ogunjirin Branch of Mabudeje Family of Agbowa-Ikosi).
Also, Prince (Barr.) Owolabi Saheed Momson (joined by the order of court) became the eight respondents in the suit. The judge held: “It is hereby declared that 8th defendant, Prince Owolabi Saheed Momson has been duly and validly nominated and selected as the Abowa of Agbowa Ikosi in the Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA of Lagos State in line with the dictates of the 1957 Chieftaincy Declaration and in accordance with the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs Law of Lagos State, 2015.
“Consequent upon the above, the 1st to 4th defendants are hereby directed to put the necessary machinery in place for the actualisation of the nomination of 8th defendant as Abowa of Agbowa Ikosi in compliance with the relevant provisions of the Obas & Chiefs Law of Lagos State, 2015.
“The claims of the claimants failed and it is hereby dismissed. The counterclaim of the 7th defendant failed and it is hereby dismissed.”
