Court of Appeal Order Defied in Ikoyi Property Dispute

A significant controversy is unfolding in Ikoyi, Lagos, concerning the alleged defiance of a perpetual injunction issued by the Court of Appeal. This development directly challenges the principle of obedience to court orders, a cornerstone of democracy, especially following recent public statements by Nigeria's Chief Justice, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, emphasizing its non-negotiable nature.

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obedience to court orders is “non-negotiable”

The core of the dispute involves a property at No. 11 Ikoyi Crescent, Ikoyi, Lagos. In April 2025, the Court of Appeal issued a perpetual injunction prohibiting the first Respondent and its agents from engaging in any acts of ownership, including selling or assigning the property. However, two companies, Diya Fatimilehin & Co and Locke Homes Limited, are reportedly proceeding with construction and marketing units under a development named “Greenville Terraces” on the disputed site.

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The court issued a perpetual injunction restraining the first Respondent and its agents from selling, assigning, or exercising any form of acts of ownership over the property located at No. 11 Ikoyi Crescent, Ikoyi, Lagos.

These alleged actions constitute a blatant breach of the court's order and potentially existing planning regulations. Adding to the complexity, the firms are accused of seeking a stay of execution for the very judgment they are allegedly disobeying, while also lodging an appeal at the Supreme Court. This situation casts a shadow over the enforcement of judicial decisions in Nigeria and raises critical questions about respect for the rule of law. Legal stakeholders are watching closely, warning that continued non-compliance could severely undermine public confidence in the judiciary.

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Observers say the situation raises broader questions about the enforcement of judicial decisions, and disrespect/disregard for the rule of law in Nigeria.