Lagos Gov’t Accused Of Illegal Land Takeover Despite Court Judgment

In a dramatic turn of events, the E.J. Alex Kehinde Taylor Family has accused the Lagos State Government of arbitrarily taking over their 20.98-acre property located at Plots 412/420, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Abule Egba, without adhering to a binding court judgment or paying the required compensation.

The family, represented by Platinum and Taylor Hill LP, detailed how their property—comprising industrial warehouses and office complexes—has been unlawfully encroached upon despite a 2019 Consent Judgment affirming their ownership.

According to court records, the High Court of Lagos State, Ikeja Judicial Division, presided over by Hon. Justice O. A. Ogala (Mrs.), ruled in favor of the family, with the Lagos State Government agreeing to terms of settlement. However, the government later issued a controversial revocation notice in May 2020, sparking a fresh legal battle.

“By entering into a Consent Judgment, the Lagos State Government acknowledged our clients’ ownership. Yet, instead of compensating them or adhering to the judgment, the government continues to act in bad faith,” said Olalekan F. Ojo, Managing Partner of Platinum and Taylor Hill LP.

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The family alleges that the government has not only failed to honor the court’s directive but has also employed tactics to delay justice, including seeking to withdraw the case from court under the pretext of consolidation with unrelated matters. This, they claim, has left the case in limbo for over two years.

Adding to the saga, the property has been vandalized by thugs, with long-span aluminum roofing sheets and other materials stolen. The family blames this on the Lagos State Special Task Force on Land Grabbers, which sealed the property in 2016 but allegedly failed to protect it adequately.

“This prolonged inaction raises serious concerns about access to justice and the respect for property rights in Lagos State. We demand that the government either pays adequate compensation as stipulated by law or returns the property to its rightful owners,” Ojo stated.

This dispute, which has spanned nearly a decade, highlights the challenges faced by private property owners in Lagos State. It also raises questions about the state government’s commitment to upholding judicial decisions and respecting fundamental rights.

Observers are calling on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and relevant authorities to resolve the matter urgently to avoid further erosion of public trust. For now, the Alex Kehinde Taylor Family remains resolute in their fight to reclaim their property or receive fair compensation, in line with the rule of law.