News Summary
The Lagos State High Court has ruled in favor of Dr. Mercy Obagie, awarding her N5.5 million in a land ownership dispute against the Olumegbon family. The court dismissed the claimants’ requests for ownership and ruled that Dr. Obagie proved her title. The decision highlights ongoing land ownership issues in Lagos, emphasizing the need for clear property documentation.
Lagos
In a significant ruling, the Lagos State High Court has awarded N5.5 million to Dr. Mercy Obagie, a US-based medical doctor and lawyer, in a land ownership dispute involving the Olumegbon family of Ajah. The judgment, delivered by Justice Olubukola Aigbkhaevbo, concerns the ownership of a property located at No. 29, Addo Road, Eric Estate, Ajah, situated within the Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The disputed land spans approximately 2,237.497 square meters, and the suit, registered as No. LD/39/2013, saw Dr. Obagie as the defendant and counter-claimant against claimants Ibrahim Lawal Olumegbon and Abdulfattah Machardo, who asserted that the land belonged to their ancestral estate.
Dr. Obagie successfully proved her title and long possession of the property, supported by documentation showing she purchased the land from Mr. Eric Rhima between 1984 and 1995. The transaction was formalized with a deed of assignment executed in 1995 and a renewed assignment in 2011.
Court Rulings and Damages
The court ruled in favor of Dr. Obagie, dismissing the claimants’ requests for a declaration of their ownership, nullification of her title, and claims for damages related to alleged trespass. The judge awarded N4 million as general damages for the destruction of property and N1.5 million to cover litigation costs. However, Dr. Obagie’s claim for N5 million in special damages for the demolished structures was denied due to insufficient evidence. The court emphasized the need for verifiable evidence in cases involving special damages.
Evidence presented included testimony from a member of the Ojupon and Ogunsemo family, who confirmed witnessing the execution of the deed in Dr. Obagie’s favor. Furthermore, the court determined that actions taken by the claimants on November 28, 2012, which included the destruction of Dr. Obagie’s fence, gate, and a three-bedroom apartment, constituted trespass and were illegal. Consequently, a perpetual injunction was granted to prevent any future trespassing by the claimants on the property.
Context of the Dispute
The court’s ruling highlights ongoing issues of land ownership disputes in Lagos State, a region plagued by conflicts over property rights. Many land disputes in Lagos arise from overlaps in claims and a lack of proper documentation. Dr. Obagie had been in peaceful possession of her property since 1998, although she did not pursue any criminal complaints against the claimants, as she had returned to the United States.
While three of Dr. Obagie’s counterclaims were dismissed as vague, the overall judgment solidifies her ownership and sends a message about the necessity of clear and substantiated claims in property disputes. The case has drawn attention to the importance of maintaining proper documentation and legal representation in property transactions, particularly in a densely populated and rapidly developing city like Lagos.
The ruling serves as a reminder of the challenges many individuals face when navigating property disputes in Nigeria, underscoring the critical need for effective legal frameworks and education surrounding land ownership rights.
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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
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee 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 Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
