Coronation anniversary: ‘Ibeju-Lekki king toying with contempt’

Adebisi Onanuga

THE Somoju/Olofin ruling house of Onisolu of Solu Alade town, Ibeju Lekki has told King Babatunde Mutalibi Balogun to respect court orders.

They threatened to file contempt of charges against him if he goes ahead to hold a coronation anniversary contrary to a court order.

They reminded him that there is a subsisting order of Justice O.A. Ogala asking parties in suit number LD/6178GCMW/19 Chief Ganiyu Olofin Bada Somoju & Anor Vs Governor of Lagos State & 6 Ors to maintain the status quo pending the hearing and determination of the case.

This was contained in a letter addressed to King Onileki of Lekki, dated November 2, 2020 titled ‘Notice of the pendency of the case of obaship of solu alade land in court/notice not to be part of contempt of court’ written by their counsel, O.J. Akinwale.

The Somoju/Olofin ruling house said since King  Balogun (alias Terisi) and the Balogun Ruling House have voluntarily submitted to the jurisdiction of the court by filing their defence and entered appearance in the suit,  it is wrong for him to want to celebrate coronation anniversary.

According to them, there is no confirmed King of Solu Alade Town in view of the pendency of the suit in court.

They argued that if King Balogun embarked on any coronation anniversary, it would amount to contempt of the court in view of the pendency of the order of Justice Ogala.

They, therefore, asked all the kings who have received invites to the event to ignore it

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“Honouring his invitation in the capacity of the Onisolu of Solu Land will be tantamount to contempt of the Court and overreaching the on-going litigation on the Obaship”, the letter stated.

Other kings the letter was sent to include the King of Lekki, Oba, the Olosogo of Osorogo land, the Elemoro of Itedo land, the Onise of Ise,  Baale of Oke Ogun who is also the chairman Council of Baale, and the  Executive Chairman,  Ibeju Lekki,  Local government Area.

The Somoju/Olofin ruling house of Onisolu of Solu Alade town, Ibeju Lekki in the suit are contesting the stool of Onisolu of Solu Land.

The letter stated, “Our attention was called to an invitation letter circulating around to the effect that Babatunde Mutalibi Balogun (Alias Terisi) of the Balogun Ruling House will be celebrating coronation ceremony as the Onisolu of Solu Alade Town.

“We have our Clients’ Royal Family instruction to bring to Kabiyesi’s notice that there is no confirmed King of Solu Alade Town. The case in relation to the Obaship of Solu Alade Town, Ibeju Lekki Local Government Area, Lagos State is still pending before the High Court of Lagos State in SUIT NO: LD/6178GCMW/19 Chief Ganiyu Olofin Bada Somoju & Anor And Governor Of Lagos State & 6 Ors. Babatunde Mutalibi Balogun (Alias Terisi). The said Babatunde Mutalibi Balogun (Alias Terisi) and the Balogun Ruling House have voluntarily submitted to the jusridicition of the court by filing their defence and entered appearance in the suit. “

“The case came up last on the 10th day of September, 2020 during the Court’s vacation before Honourable Justice O. A. Ogala. His Lordship directed all parties to maintain status quo pending the hearing and determination of the Case.

“Her Lordship further directed us to file necessary documents before the court to show if the said Babatunde Mutalibi Balogun (Alias Terisi) and the Balogun Ruling House took any further step to over-reach the Court or in disobedience to the Court’s Order.

“Babatunde Mutalibi Balogun is currently sending invitation letter, planning coronation and coronation anniversary in contempt of Court. The case is currently assigned to Honourable Justice A.O. Opesanwo of the High Court of Lagos State, Lagos Judicial Division, Igbosere, Lagos State.

“Our Clients are also aware that  the said Babatunde Mutalibi Balogun (Alias Terisi) and the Balogun Ruling House have been brandishing a forged unsigned Lagos State Government declaration to support their claim to the throne despite the fact of the pendency of the case in Court.

“It is noted from the document that it is neither signed by the Governor of Lagos State nor the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Local Government & Community Affairs, Alausa, Lagos State.

“We know and believe that your Royal Highness is a law abiding King and thus will not be seen to be encouraging lawlessness and contempt of Court. “Honouring his invitation in the capacity of the Onisolu of Solu Land will be tantamount to contempt of the Court and overreaching the on-going litigation on the Obaship”, the letter stated.