Family appeals Epe land judgement, warns against fresh sales

The Soje family is challenging a Lagos State High Court judgment that recognized the Adegbajo Ruling House as the customary owner of a parcel of land in Eredo Community, Epe Local Government Area. The original suit, filed in 2017, concerned land located at Atake-Mafara, Semisolose, Taramigbuya, Agodo, and Igbonla.

Dissatisfied with the February 12, 2026 ruling by Justice W. Animahun, the Soje family has filed a Notice of Appeal. Their legal team argues that the claimants failed to meet the legal burden of proof and that the court wrongly concluded that tribute payments established customary ownership. The appellants contend that occasional gifts to a traditional ruler do not equate to proof of tribute or acknowledgment of overlordship.

The Soje family seeks to overturn the High Court's decision and have their counterclaim, filed in June 2025, granted. They assert that they and other occupants have made substantial investments in the disputed land, including residential buildings, farms, and factories. Hundreds of people reside and conduct business on the property, with some occupants having lived there since 1999 and made significant investments that could be jeopardized.

Meanwhile, the Soje family has issued a caution against the Adegbajo Ruling House, warning them not to sell, transfer, or otherwise deal with the disputed land while the appeal process is ongoing. This warning comes amid the ongoing legal battle, emphasizing the potential risks to current occupants and their investments.