Lagos Government, First Bank, Others Defy Court Order on Lekki Land
The Lagos State Government, First Bank, and other parties have continued to occupy a disputed land in Lekki despite a Lagos State High Court order directing them to halt construction and maintain the status quo. The land is located at the Lagoon View Development Scheme (Oju Olokun), Chevron Drive, Eti Osa, Lagos, and forms part of the estate of the late Madam Iyalode Efunroye Tinubu.
The court order was issued by Justice Olukayode Ogunjobi, who explicitly instructed that no construction or development should take place on the property until the legal dispute is fully resolved.
In a major escalation, the legal team representing the Estate of Madam Efunroye Tinubu has petitioned the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, and the Police Service Commission, demanding the immediate withdrawal of police officers stationed on the disputed land. Official correspondence dated March 5, 2026, from the law firm A&C Alimi & Co., references the situation at Chevron Drive, Lagos, where officers are allegedly acting in contravention of existing court orders, thereby supporting the unauthorized occupation by the respondents.
Court documents confirm that this petition was officially received and stamped by the Commissioner’s office on March 5, 2026, and by the Office of the Honorable Chairman of the Police Service Commission on March 6, 2026. These filings provide concrete evidence that the highest police authorities in Lagos and the national service commission have been formally notified of the alleged misuse of police personnel in a civil matter and their role in the ongoing defiance of the judicial directive.
The petitioners, writing on the instructions of Chief Akinfolabi Akindele, the estate’s sole attorney, argue that the presence of the police on the property is inconsistent with the doctrine of lis pendens, which prevents the transfer of property under litigation. Their legal argument asserts that the continued presence of armed personnel may inadvertently give the impression that the police have taken sides in a civil dispute, which they maintain is sub judice pending the final determination of the appellate court.
The full weight of the legal battle is detailed in an exhaustive set of filings presented to the Court of Appeal in Lagos, specifically under Suit No: LD/11526LMW/2022. The documents name four appellants: Alhaji Shittu Adio Kassim Lumosa, Dr. Gabriel O. Fosatire, Mr. Shafiu Kassim Lumosa, and Mr. Temilola Daud Adesanya, who are identified as the accredited trustees and representatives of the Estate of Madam Iyalode Efunroye Tinubu.
These filings, which include an official summons to settle records and a formal notice of appeal, challenge the November 27, 2025, decision of the lower court. The central ground of appeal is that the lower court erred in law when it held that the appellants’ action was statute-barred. The appellants argue that as the accredited representatives of the late Iyalode’s estate, they possess the lawful right to reclaim their interest in the property, which they contend was purportedly acquired by the Lagos State Government for public purposes without valid justification.
This expansive legal list of respondents, totaling thirteen distinct parties, spans the highest levels of government and corporate finance. Included are: (1) NNPC Limited, (2) The Governor of Lagos State, (3) The Attorney General of Lagos State, (4) The Registrar of Title, Lagos State Land Bureau, (5) LSDPC Limited, (6) Suntrust Savings & Loans Limited, (7) AMCON, (8) Lucidgate Limited, (9) Ontario Oil and Gas Limited, (10) 3D Hitech Systems Limited, (11) First Bank Nigeria Limited, (12) HRM Oba Tijani Adetunji Akinloye, and (13) Alhaji Yekini Olawale Bakare (on behalf of the Ojomu Chieftaincy Family of Ajiran Land).
Despite the judicial directive, the respondents have allegedly continued to occupy the land and carry out activities, raising concerns over blatant defiance of the court order.
The claimants, led by Alhaji Kassim Lumosa, have reported that the continued occupation is illegal and is obstructing planned construction projects on the property.
The estate’s attorney, Akinfolabi Akindele, filed the case to compel compliance with the court order and protect the property rights tied to the late Madam Tinubu’s estate.
According to the legal team, former Commissioner of Police Abiodun Alabi and other respondents allegedly mobilized personnel to the site to continue unauthorized activities, disregarding the court’s directive.
The claimants have warned that continued defiance of the court order could result in contempt proceedings against the Lagos government, banks, and corporate entities involved.
Legal experts noted that failure to comply with a court order is a serious offense that can attract sanctions, fines, or imprisonment for the responsible parties.
Observers say that the delay caused by the occupation of the land is preventing important development projects that could benefit the local community and stimulate economic growth in the area.
Lumosa and his co-claimants have formally mentioned all respondents in court filings, urging them to vacate the land and comply with the judicial directive without further delay.
Akinfolabi Akindele emphasized that the estate is determined to enforce the court ruling and ensure that construction on the land begins without further obstruction.
The defiance by the respondents highlights broader challenges in Lagos regarding adherence to court orders and enforcement of property rights.
The claimants and their legal team have urged authorities to uphold the rule of law and ensure that the property is returned to rightful control, warning that non-compliance will be met with strict legal action.
The dispute remains unresolved, but the landowners and their legal representatives have vowed to continue pursuing all legal remedies to assert ownership rights and begin development on the Lekki site.