By Ebinum Samuel
Land dispute is an age long tradition inspiring conflicts where there’s discrepancies some ranging from serious litigations and legal framework, while some giving room to criminal activities by some of the involvement of actives player’s.
While some eche a living by criminal encroachment of lands , presenting documents that are near faultless , some oil pyramids of certain authorities in their payrolls involving judicial personnel, lawyers with disputable judgements , engaged and using law enforcement officers if not properly checked against obvious court judgements and illicit legal technicalities to evade the legal proceeding and procedures with files and counter files . The media is another adoption by this “smart land grabbers” manipulating the media to sway public sympathy to fool unsuspecting victims to even run away if not firm. If not properly checked then the society is going down abysmally with the orchestrated trend .
In a society where criminal suspects are allowed to operates with impunity, in an unjust society, the just suffers. The temple of justice must be seen as umpire of justice and hope for the commoners, if contrary the evidence of a failed State remains irredeemable.
Therefore the case of the Egunaye family should be a test case of exemplary disposition to address issues when matter is still ongoing in a competent court of law.
Media publication last week by certain media houses made nonsense of the ethics of the profession without fact findings and still went ahead to indicts the professionalism and statutory disposition of the Nigeria Police Force.
This displeasure, according to Aiyekooto Reporters ensure that her media team went on to make diligent investigations to parties involves to right the negative perception thrown to the air.
The discovery from the Egunaye’ s family and evidence of court rulings, to police intervention in discharge of duties, and attempts to reach out to the other party proved abortive through their phone numbers…
The Egunaye’ s family said it’s unripe to join issues with Estate of Fasehun when the matter is already with the Police and a competent Court in the land. It will be a total disregard to the rule of law and mockery of the system if otherwise. Chief Tajudeen Egunaye, the head of the Egunaye family told Aiyekooto Reporters surrounding the land ownership dispute particularly as it concerns the property located at No. 10, Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Lagos.
Though the man in the storm who happens to be the Attorney to the Egunaye family, Aare Tomori Williams said it will be cowardice not to give vivid interpretation of what transpired contrary to claims of property invasion and abuse of power as alleged.
According to him, the Egunaye family land matter is rooted in a long-standing and legally grounded ownership claim, supported by a valid Supreme Court judgment affirming the family’s title to the land in question.
For nearly 15 years, the Egunaye family has pursued this matter through the appropriate legal channels. The property has been the subject of multiple legal proceedings, and at every point, the family has demonstrated its commitment to lawful conduct and respect for the judiciary.
*Background of the Dispute*
The dispute originated from conflicting claims between the Egunaye family of which I am the attorney and Mr. Femi Fasehun, who purports to be acting on behalf of the Fasehun estate. Mr. Fasehun claims that the land was inherited from his father. However, the Egunaye family maintains that the land legally belongs to them and has consistently presented documented evidence—including a Supreme Court ruling—to support this position.
In several instances, Mr. Fasehun and his associates have allegedly continued construction and occupation activities on the disputed land, despite standing interlocutory court orders that direct all parties to maintain the status quo pending final judgment. These actions prompted the family’s legal representatives to file further motions in court, including contempt proceedings.
Citing Suit No: ID/1375/2011, and Suit No: ID/11239LMW/2021 among others that the Fasehun Estate has none of it, but trying every means to thwart court proceeding through technicalities and that at appropriate time the court will give its rulings, Aare Tomori Williams said confidently.
*Police Involvement and Rule of Law*
Following reports of repeated violations of court orders by Mr. Fasehun, the Egunaye family filed a formal petition to the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 2, Zonal Police Headquarters who approved an investigation. The case was assigned to CSP Taofik Tijani, who has thus far handled the matter with professionalism, verifying the court orders and overseeing lawful enforcement, including the arrest of individuals allegedly obstructing justice.
Allegations of misconduct or overreach by law enforcement, particularly those directed at CSP Taofik Tijani and his team, are viewed by the family as an attempt to distract from the central legal issue—ownership of the land—and to frustrate enforcement of legitimate judicial directives.
*Rebuttal to Misinformation*. The recent petition filed by Mr. Fasehun’s legal team and circulated in the media presents a one-sided narrative that omits critical context, including:
The Supreme Court judgment affirming the Egunaye family’s ownership.
The interlocutory injunction that restrains development or interference with the land. Multiple violations of court orders by Mr. Fasehun, which led to warranted law enforcement action. Claims that falsified court documents were presented are categorically false and defamatory.
The Egunaye family operates strictly within the bounds of the law and welcomes any independent investigation into the matter. The man who vounched of its integrity Aare Tomori Williams told Aiyekooto Reporters.
*Call for Judicial Respect and Due Process*
This is a civil land dispute grounded in legitimate legal proceedings. The Egunaye family urges all parties, including Mr. Fasehun, to respect the rule of law and allow the courts to reach a final and binding decision without resorting to media sensationalism or attempts to politicize routine legal enforcement.
The family remains confident that the courts will uphold justice and reaffirm their rightful claim, as already established at the highest judicial level.
