We urge the Adegbajo family and the community to maintain the status quo while the appeal is ongoing to avoid complicating the dispute and rendering any eventual decision ineffective.

The Soje family, represented by counsel James Alara, filed a Notice of Appeal marked CA/LAG/CV/426/2026 on June 8, 2026. The appeal follows the February 12, 2026 judgement delivered by Justice W. Animahun in Suit No. EPD/5231LMW/2017, instituted by members of the Adegbajo family against the Soje family over ownership of land located at Atake-Mafara, Semisolose, Taramigbuya, Agodo, and Igbonla in Eredo.

The Soje family is urging the Court of Appeal to set aside the judgement delivered on February 12, 2026, and grant its counterclaim filed on June 26, 2025. In an affidavit filed in support of the appeal, the Soje family stated that they and other occupants have substantial investments in the disputed land, including residential buildings, farms, factories, and other developments.

These investments include:

  • Residential buildings
  • Farms
  • Factories
  • Other developments

According to the Soje family, hundreds of people reside and conduct business activities on the property, with some occupants having lived there since 1999 and having made significant investments. They further claimed that those investments could be jeopardized if the status of the land is altered before the appeal is determined.

The Soje family has cautioned the Adegbajo Ruling House against selling, transferring, or otherwise dealing with the disputed land while the appeal is pending. In a letter dated June 8, 2026, with reference number OC/JA/SOJF/26, the Soje family warned against any attempt to dissipate the subject matter of the appeal.

It warned that any such action could complicate the dispute and render any eventual decision of the Court of Appeal ineffective. The Soje family urged all parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the appeal. No date has been fixed for the hearing of the appeal.

Key Facts

  • The Soje family filed a Notice of Appeal marked CA/LAG/CV/426/2026 on June 8, 2026.
  • The appeal follows the February 12, 2026 judgement delivered by Justice W. Animahun in Suit No. EPD/5231LMW/2017.
  • The Soje family claims they have substantial investments in the disputed land, including residential buildings, farms, factories, and other developments.
  • Hundreds of people reside and conduct business activities on the property, with some occupants having lived there since 1999.
  • The Soje family has cautioned the Adegbajo Ruling House against selling, transferring, or otherwise dealing with the disputed land while the appeal is pending.

The Lagos State government has been grappling with cases of land disputes in recent years. In 2023, the government established a committee to mediate land disputes in the state.