In a landmark legal victory, the Lagos Island property at 213A Igbosere Road, once housing the Nigerian Law School, has been reclaimed by its rightful owners after a 13-year legal battle. The property was formally handed over to the representatives of the family of Madam Oyinkan Moyeni, Hajia Basirat Mojisola Dange and Mr. Oluyinka Abayomi Olalekan Awolaru, on December 6, 2024.
This resolution marks the end of a prolonged dispute over the prime property, following a decisive judgment by the Lagos State High Court in Igbosere. The court’s ruling affirmed the family’s ownership rights, bringing closure to a case that has attracted significant public interest.
The Landmark Judgment
The dispute originated in 2011 when Hajia Basirat Mojisola Dange and Mr. Oluyinka Abayomi Olalekan Awolaru, representing the family of Madam Oyinkan Moyeni, filed a lawsuit against Mr. Basil Christos Economides, Mr. Elias Badih Khalife, and the Attorney General of the Federation. The defendants had subleased the property to the Federal Government, which subsequently assigned it to the Nigerian Law School.
After an exhaustive review of evidence, including title deeds and other documentation provided by the claimants, the Lagos State High Court, presided over by Hon. Justice O. O. Femi-Adeniyi, delivered a judgment in 2011 declaring the family as the legitimate owners of the property. The court ruled that the Nigerian Law School’s occupation of the premises lacked legal backing, reinforcing the sanctity of property rights and the principle of due process.
A Decade-Long Legal Battle
The litigation was marked by numerous delays, adjournments, and appeals that extended the case over 13 years. Despite the challenges, the claimants persisted, eventually securing a favorable judgment upheld at the appellate and supreme court levels.
In a statement, the family’s legal team, comprising O.S. Sowemimo (SAN), G. Ojo, Esq., and D. Olaleye, Esq., hailed the judgment as a victory for justice. They commended the judiciary for its impartiality and commitment to upholding the rule of law.
Taking Possession of the Property
On December 6, 2024, Hajia Basirat Mojisola Dange, accompanied by Lagos State High Court sheriffs, assistant sheriffs, and law enforcement officers, formally took possession of the property. The handover was executed peacefully, with the Nigerian Law School complying with the court’s directive.
Speaking during the process, Hajia Dange expressed profound gratitude for the outcome. “Today marks the end of a long and arduous journey for justice. We thank the judiciary for upholding our rights and ensuring that fairness prevails,” she said.
Witnesses described the takeover as calm and orderly, with representatives of the family expressing relief and a renewed faith in the legal system.
Implications and Lessons
Legal experts have lauded the case as a landmark for property disputes in Lagos State. It underscores the importance of due diligence in property transactions and reinforces the judiciary’s role in safeguarding individual rights.
The judgment sets a precedent for addressing similar disputes, highlighting that legal ownership cannot be disregarded, regardless of the stature or influence of an occupying institution.
A Historic Milestone
The resolution of this high-profile case marks a significant milestone in Lagos’ legal history. It serves as a testament to the family’s perseverance and the judiciary’s capacity to deliver justice, even in protracted and complex disputes.
As the Nigerian Law School relocates from the property, the case stands as a reminder that justice, though delayed, ultimately prevails. This historic victory reflects the value of faith in the legal system and the enduring importance of property rights in Nigeria’s legal framework.
