A Lagos State High Court sitting in Epe has issued an interim injunction restraining Multi-Purpose Infrastructure Development Construction Limited and Abbey Mortgage Bank Limited, along with seven other defendants, from continuing the demolition of properties at Roseville Gardens Estate in Ogombo, Eti-Osa Local Government Area.
Court Order Details
Justice Sharafa Abioye Olaitan granted the order following an ex parte application filed by aggrieved property owners and residents. The suit, marked EPD/19014LMW/2026, was brought by 11 claimants led by Sunny Okeke Akubude, Zeniatu Rosemary Elewonibi, and Osunlakin Akinola Abass, on behalf of themselves and 15 other property owners.
Other defendants include the Attorney-General of Lagos State, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), the Registrar of Titles, Rosebank Park Limited, Abiodun Lasisi, and Emmanuel Obire.
Injunction Provisions
Justice Olaitan restrained the defendants, their agents, contractors, and privies from carrying out further demolition, trespass, or interference with the claimants' properties pending the determination of a motion on notice. The court also prohibited the defendants from creating, transferring, or dealing with any third-party interests in the disputed land while the case is pending.
Claimants' counsel, G. Ogundele, informed the court that the applicants are lawful owners of about 50 plots of land within the estate. He relied on an affidavit by the third claimant, Osunlakin Akinola Abass, stating that the land is within the Ogombo excision area covered by a global Certificate of Occupancy and was acquired from members of the Amoja Idowu Sakare Family of the Abeje Branch of the Ogusi Chieftaincy Family.
The claimants asserted that many had obtained Governor's Consent, registered their titles, and secured building approvals before developing residential buildings, churches, and mosques currently occupied by residents.
Court's Reasoning
Justice Olaitan held that the claimants established a prima facie interest in the land and demonstrated sufficient urgency to warrant the interim relief. He noted that ex parte injunctions are granted in situations of real urgency to preserve the status quo and prevent irreparable damage. The judge emphasized that such orders are necessary where any delay could result in serious or irretrievable harm.
The court ordered that all court processes be served on the defendants and adjourned the matter to June 9, 2026, for the hearing of the motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction.
