Adamakin Raises Alarm Over Alleged Fraudulent Sale of Court-Awarded Tinubu Family Land in Surulere
Chief Akindele Adamakin, the Sole Power of Attorney to the estate of the late Madam Efunroye Tinubu, has cautioned Nigerians against purchasing any property on the 8.994-acre parcel of land located at Akobi Crescent, off Fashoro Lane, Surulere, Lagos, warning that those behind the sales have no legal right to the land.
Speaking at a press conference, Adamakin said despite a subsisting judgment of the High Court of Lagos State affirming the Tinubu family’s ownership of the property, some individuals have continued to advertise, sell and transfer buildings on the land to unsuspecting members of the public.
According to him, the transactions are fraudulent because the sellers are attempting to dispose of property over which they have no lawful title. He urged prospective buyers to exercise caution, stressing that anyone who pays for such properties does so at their own risk.
Adamakin described the continued sale of the land as a direct assault on the rule of law, saying it is troubling that some people have chosen to ignore a final court judgment for personal gain.
He noted that the authority of the courts must be respected, warning that allowing people to disregard judicial decisions creates uncertainty in property ownership and weakens confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.
The warning follows years of litigation over the ownership of the Surulere property, which was the subject of Suit No. M/294/2010 before the High Court of Lagos State, Ikeja Judicial Division.
The legal battle was between retired Colonel Tunde Oyedele, who claimed ownership through a Deed of Conveyance dated February 3, 1976, and members of the Tinubu family represented by Tajudeen Ademola Toriola and other defendants, who maintained that the land formed part of the estate of the late Madam Efunroye Tinubu.
During the proceedings, the Tinubu family’s representatives challenged the validity of the conveyance relied upon by the retired military officer, insisting that the document could not lawfully transfer ownership of the family property.
The case also drew public attention following allegations that on September 23, 2007, retired Colonel Oyedele led police officers to the property where homes occupied by the defendants were demolished without following lawful eviction procedures.
Evidence presented before the court included photographs of the demolished structures, while the affected occupants argued that the demolition constituted an unlawful invasion of land they were legally entitled to possess.
In its judgment delivered on October 31, 2013, Justice O. Atinuke Ipaye held that the 1976 Deed of Conveyance relied upon by the claimant was invalid, null and void. The court ordered the cancellation of the title at the Lagos Lands Registry and awarded damages against the retired military officer for trespass arising from the unlawful demolition.
The judgment effectively restored the rights of the Tinubu family over the disputed property and reaffirmed that ownership claims must be determined through lawful processes rather than force or self-help.
Following the judgment, the Tinubu family eventually took possession of the land, which is reported to contain more than 50 buildings, after the court’s decision remained unchallenged by any successful appeal.
Despite that judicial victory, Adamakin alleged that some individuals have continued to falsely present themselves as owners of parts of the property and have been selling buildings and land to unsuspecting buyers.
He urged members of the public, estate developers, investors, financial institutions and real estate professionals to verify all title documents before entering into any transaction involving the property.
According to him, any purported sale carried out by persons who lack legal ownership is null and incapable of transferring valid title, regardless of the amount paid by a purchaser.
Adamakin further called on security agencies and relevant government authorities to investigate those allegedly involved in the illegal transactions and ensure that the judgment of the court is fully respected and enforced.
He said the Tinubu family remains committed to protecting its lawful interest through legal means and warned that anyone dealing with unauthorized sellers could become a victim of fraud and prolonged litigation.
He added that respect for judicial decisions is essential to maintaining confidence in Nigeria’s legal system, urging the public not to aid or encourage acts that undermine the authority of the courts.