On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, Court 24 of the Ikeja Division of the Lagos State High Court was once again the site of a significant gathering, as supporters of the Isolo throne case arrived in droves. Both sides in the heated royal succession dispute began filling the court premises from as early as 8 a.m., eager to witness the latest developments in the ongoing suit over the nomination of Prince Jimmy Adetokunbo Yekini-Goloba as the Osolo-elect. The challenge was brought forth by Prince Saheed Ishola Aregbesola, widely known as SA 400, alongside other applicants, including Chief Taoridi Faronbi (Alado), Chief Rasak Akinsanya Alabe, Alhaji Wasiu Awofe Aregbe Alabe, and Mr. Tajudeen Omolade Alabe, representing the Alagbeji Ruling Family of Isolo.
At precisely 10:30 a.m., as appearances were announced, the court noted the conspicuous absence of the prosecution counsel, Barr. M.B. Jimoh-Akogun. His colleague, Barr. A.O. Usman, attempted to explain the delay, claiming that Jimoh-Akogun was temporarily held up with another court matter. Shortly thereafter, Jimoh-Akogun hurriedly entered the courtroom, visibly flustered, drawing murmurs from the audience, who were keenly observing the unfolding events.
The drama intensified when Jimoh-Akogun claimed he had mistakenly believed the case was scheduled for 11 a.m. instead of 10:30 a.m. This statement did not sit well with the presiding judge, Justice M.A. Savage, who promptly sought clarification from the lead defense counsel, Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun (SAN). Prof. Fagbohun confirmed that, as customary for cases involving Senior Advocates of Nigeria, the matter was indeed scheduled to be heard first out of respect for the senior counsel. Jimoh-Akogun, seemingly embarrassed, offered a swift apology for his tardiness.
However, more surprises awaited the court. As proceedings were set to officially commence, Barr. Jimoh-Akogun admitted he had left the crucial case file in his car at another court location, sparking a palpable sense of frustration among the judge, the defense team, and the courtroom audience. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Justice Savage generously offered the prosecution a 30-minute recess to retrieve the file and resume. Yet, Jimoh-Akogun could not confirm his ability to return within that timeframe, further straining the court’s patience.
In response to the prosecution’s lack of readiness, Justice Savage turned to Prof. Fagbohun to inquire if the defense was prepared to proceed. Prof. Fagbohun confidently affirmed, stating he had filed his responses to the prosecution’s application ahead of the 7th Defendant’s counsel, leaving him fully prepared to argue the case.
With no significant signs of preparedness from the prosecution, Justice Savage moved to reschedule the hearing. Both parties agreed to adjourn the matter until December 11, 2024. Before the close of the session, Barr. Jimoh-Akogun pleaded with the judge to allow the status quo to remain. Justice Savage, however, swiftly dismissed this request, noting that he had already vacated the interim injunction on the defendants in an earlier ruling dated October 28, 2024.
This adjournment marks yet another chapter in the ongoing and hotly contested struggle over the Isolo throne, a case that continues to highlight tensions within the royal family and amongst supporters, each side firmly determined to assert its claim to the revered title.
