Realty Point Ltd Addresses Challenges Affecting Ijere Property Development

Mary Nnah

A Lagos-based real estate company, Realty Point Ltd, has expressed concern over the alleged invasion of its property in Ijere, Mowe, Ogun State, by land grabbers. Despite a court judgment in their favour, the company claims that these individuals continue to trespass on the site.

According to Debo Adejana, MD/CEO of Realty Point Ltd, the situation is volatile and could lead to community unrest if not addressed. “We want to bring to the notice of the general public some developments in Ijere, in Obafemi-Owode Local Government of Ogun State, that are capable of leading to community war if not arrested and handled appropriately,” he said during a press conference.

Adejana explained that some land grabbers invaded the company’s site in Ijere, despite the company having taken all necessary legal steps to ensure this didn’t happen. “They have ignored directives, injunctions, and have gone ahead to continue to build on a site that, even their claim is before the court of the land,” he added.

The company has taken steps to stop the trespassers, including involving the police. However, despite these efforts, the land grabbers allegedly continue to work on the site. Adejana noted that the activities of the land grabbers are indicative that they are above the law. “By their actions and acts, they are definitely sending a strong message to the fact that they are above the law and can do anything they want to do in this country and nobody can call them to question.”

Dr. Gbenga Eretan, counsel to Realty Point Ltd, explained that the Court of Appeal has ruled in favor of the company, affirming the ownership of the land by the Ogundimu/Akinyemi families, from whom Realty Point purchased the land. “The Court of Appeal has actually adjudicated on the matter in which judgment was given in favor of Realty Point Ltd, and that Court of Appeal judgment has not been set aside by the Supreme Court,” he said.

Eretan added that by the Appeal Court judgment, nobody has the right to trespass on the land. “It is our surprise that the land which the Appeal Court has decided on is what is purported to have been given to somebody without setting aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal. To have ignored the ruling of a court of competent jurisdiction amounts to contempt of the court, and those people should be punished.”

According to the company, Realty Point purchased the land from members of the Ogundimu and Akinyemi Ogundimu families, including Rev. Olatunji Abiodun, Mr. Kashimawu Shodiya, and Mr. Leafeez Ololade. These families, it was claimed, were the original owners, while another family, led by Joshua Alejolowo of the Orunmakinde family, contested the ownership and took the matter to the Ogun State High Court.

The Ogun State High Court ruled in favor of the Ogundimu/Akinyemi families, from whom Realty Point purchased the land. In January 2023, the Court of Appeal (Case No. CA-IB-226-2015) affirmed the High Court judgment, declaring the Ogundimu/Akinyemi families the rightful and bona fide owners of the entire disputed land.

Realty Point Limited made available to the media papers showing court judgments from the High Court up to the Court of Appeal. The company claimed that even though those who claimed to be the owners of the land were the plaintiffs, judgments have always been delivered in favor of Realty Point Limited.

The company stated that all it is requesting is for all parties to the case to maintain the status quo until all grey areas on the matter are ironed out. According to the company, it has sold out the entire land and is only fighting for the interest of their teeming customers who have already taken possession of their land.