News Summary
The Lagos State High Court has awarded N5.5 million to Dr. Mercy Obagie, following a land ownership dispute with the Olumegbon family. The ruling confirmed her ownership of a property located in Ajah, dismissing claims made by the defendants who argued the land was part of their ancestral estate. The court emphasized the need for documented proof, highlighting the ongoing issues of land encroachment and ownership conflicts in Lagos State.
Lagos – The Lagos State High Court has awarded N5.5 million in damages to Dr. Mercy Obagie, a US-based medical doctor and lawyer, following a land ownership dispute against the Olumegbon family of Ajah. The court’s judgment was delivered in suit No. LD/39/2013, affirming Dr. Obagie’s long-standing claim to the disputed property located at No. 29, Addo Road, Eric Estate, Ajah, in the Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State.
In a significant ruling, Justice Olubukola Aigbkhaevbo confirmed Dr. Obagie’s ownership of the land, which measures approximately 2,237.497 square meters. The court dismissed claims by Ibrahim Lawal Olumegbon and Abdulfattah Machardo, who contended that the land belonged to their ancestral estate. The judge ruled that Dr. Obagie had established her title through a Deed of Assignment dated May 6, 2011, solidifying her ownership despite the claimants’ allegations.
The court awarded N4 million as general damages for trespass committed by the claimants, alongside N1.5 million for litigation costs. The claimants had sought a declaration of their ownership of the land, claimed that Dr. Obagie’s title documents were invalid, and demanded compensation for alleged trespass, all of which were ultimately dismissed by the court.
Background of the Dispute
Dr. Obagie’s case centered around her documented purchase of the land from Mr. Eric Rhima, which occurred between 1984 and 1995, with formal assignments executed in 1995 and later in 2011. A member of the Ojupon and Ogunsemo family also testified that he witnessed the deed of assignment being executed in favor of Dr. Obagie, further validating her ownership.
The case escalated when, on November 28, 2012, the claimants allegedly engaged in actions that led to the destruction of Dr. Obagie’s fence, gate, and a three-bedroom apartment on the property. The court characterized these actions as trespass and illegality, resulting in a permanent injunction against the claimants, prohibiting any further encroachment on the land.
Court Findings and Conclusion
While Dr. Obagie’s counterclaims for N5 million in special damages due to the demolished structures were not awarded, the court found that there was insufficient evidence to substantiate these claims. The judgment emphasized the necessity for verifiable proof in such cases. Three of Dr. Obagie’s counterclaims were also dismissed for being vague.
The attorney representing Dr. Obagie noted that she had maintained peaceful possession of the property since 1998, indicating her long-term stake in the land. The court observed that Dr. Obagie did not pursue a criminal complaint against the claimants, citing her return to the United States as the reason. This case shines a light on the prevalent issues of land disputes and ownership conflicts that are common in Lagos State.
As disputes over land ownership continue to escalate, this ruling serves as an important precedent in affirming property rights and ensuring accountability for unlawful actions related to land encroachment in the region.
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Additional Resources
- Punch: US-based doctor wins N5.5m in Lagos land dispute
- Google Search: Lagos land dispute
- ThisDay Live: Civil society groups protest in Lagos over land dispute
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Land dispute
- Punch: Caught in the crossfire of land dispute
- Google News: Land dispute Lagos
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CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECleveland.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cleveland International Film Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Cleveland Air Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Destination Cleveland, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's dynamic landscape.
