Lagos Govt, Ex-Supreme Court Justice, Monarch, Others Dragged to Court Over Epe Land Dispute

Segun Atanda/

The Lagos State Government, a former Supreme Court Justice, a prominent traditional ruler, and several other high-profile individuals and corporations have been drawn into a legal battle over a contentious land dispute in Epe area of Lagos.

The case, brought by Chief Adenusi Michael and seven others, is being heard at the Lagos State High Court, Epe Judicial Division.

At the center of the dispute is a vast expanse of land at Oko-Orisan Village, Epe Local Government Area. The plaintiffs filed Suit No. EPE/12869/LMW/2022, accusing the defendants, including Alhaji Moshood Oni-Orisan and two others, of unlawful possession and use of the land.

Representing the Oni-Orisan family, the defendants have enlisted the legal expertise of Dr. Benson Enikuomehin, FCPA, from Benson Enikuomehin & Co, to lead their defense.

Dr. Enikuomehin and his team of eight prominent legal practitioners have filed a robust defense, which includes a 232-paragraph statement of defense and counterclaims.

Among the notable defendants listed in the counterclaims are the Governor of Lagos State, the Attorney General of Lagos State, retired Supreme Court Justice Hon. Justice G.A. Oguntade (JSC), the Oloja of Epe, HRH Oba Kamarudeen Animashaun, Landmark Corporate Realty Ltd, and Harmony Garden Estate Development Ltd.

The dispute dates back to 1993, when the Lagos State Government acquired approximately 1,047 hectares (2,587 acres) of land from the Oni-Orisan family for “overriding public purposes.” The acquisition was documented in Lagos State Government Global Acquisition Notice No. 20, published in May 1993. Although portions of the land were later returned to the family in 1994 via an official gazette, the Oni-Orisan family claims the government has been allocating the land to private individuals and corporations instead of using it for public purposes, violating the Land Use Act of 1978.

The family also accuses the Lagos State Government of failing to pay compensation for the land for over 30 years. Through their legal counsel, they have submitted over 30 exhibits, including aerial surveys of the land, to support their claims.

They are seeking more than 20 declarations, orders, and damages against the state government and other defendants.

Adding weight to their case, the Oni-Orisan family has already won three separate judgments against trespassers on the disputed land, up to the Court of Appeal level. These judgments are part of the evidence presented to the court.

The case, which came up for mention on Monday, October 21, 2024, before Hon. Justice W. Animahum, has been adjourned until Tuesday, December 10, 2024, when the court will hear various applications from both sides.

This high-stakes legal battle is being closely watched, given the involvement of top Lagos State officials and influential personalities in Nigeria.

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