Osogbo Land Dispute: Govt Officials Accused Of Obstructing Court Order

Notwithstanding a favourable court ruling, matters that have to do with the land dispute between Hephzebar Holding Ltd vs. Sinatu Adeoye have not ended as allegations of obstruction of court order have been raised with the complainants pointing the finger at unnamed government officials.

Recall that the Osun State High Court, Osogbo had in a landmark judgment, reclaimed a large parcels of land for late Madam Sinatu Adeoye, 28 years after having the initial judgment in her favour in Suit No HOS/71/93.

The execution of the court order has however sparked concern as allegations of sabotage and political interference are being raised and the complainants have pointed the finger at some unnamed government officials.

The government officials in question have also been accused of undermining police reports on the lawful revalidation of the order for possession of the land.

The complainants have also argued forcibly that ‘the principle of res judicata dictates that issues already decided by a court of relevant jurisdiction cannot be relitigated’.

Top Osun State government officials are allegedly hindering Barrister Lekan Alabi’s efforts to execute the court judgment which has denied Madam Sinatu her lawful right to possess the parcels of land.

Barrister Lekan Alabi is Sinatu Adeoye’s lawyer.

Sources also said a judicial officer is allegedly pressuring the police to force Barrister Alabi to halt efforts being made to take possession of the land.

The judicial officer in question had cited a recent court order obtained by one of the trespassers, which supposedly halted further action in respect of the execution of the court order. 

Barrister Alabi has however submitted that no new action is being taken noting that work is ongoing in respect of the houses already taken into possession while adding that ‘the court is not undoing what is already done’.

A top government official had equally allegedly ordered the repossession and reconstruction of one of the affected buildings belonging to the relation of a former state governor.

Recall that the dispute began in 1997 when Hephzibah Holding claimed ownership of some parts of the parcels of land, which Sinatu Adeoye had inherited from her maternal relation. However, the court ruled in favour of Sinatu whose counsel, Bola Ojo ( now the Chief Judge of Osun State) argued the case on her behalf while the court granted her perpetual injunction against Hephzibah and its agents.

Justice R.O. Yusuf dismissed Hephzibah’s case, ruling that Sinatu is the real owner of the land while noting that Hephzibah’s claim was uncertain, and their survey plans were inaccurate.

Through an ex-parte motion, Sinatu’s counsel, Barrister Lekan Alabi, successfully revived the 1997 judgment and a 1982 judgment in her favour while the high court issued a warrant of possession, and court bailiffs, accompanied by security agents, took possession of the land.

However, hoodlums allegedly attacked the bailiffs, Barrister Alabi and security agents on May 9, 2025, and obstructed the execution of the court order.

Representatives of the landlords in the reclaimed area reportedly petitioned Governor Ademola Adeleke, alleging unlawful invasion. 

The governor had consequently directed the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone XI to investigate and a five-man investigation committee that was set up confirmed that the police officers, bailiffs, and security agents were lawfully executing a valid court order.

The report recommended that parties to the dispute should resolve their differences amicably-Team@orientactualmags.com  Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08035023079,  08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com.  Thank you