Court Ends Oko Olomi Land Dispute, Affirms Olowu, Agbaje and Raji Families’ Position, Warns Impostors to Stay Awa
A protracted land dispute that has lingered for years in Oko Olomi Community, Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State, has finally been laid to rest following a landmark judgement of the Lagos State High Court, with members of the Olowu, Raji and Agbaje families describing the ruling as a triumph of justice, fairness and the rule of law.
The judgement, delivered on January 27, 2026, by Hon. Justice B. O. Kalaro of the Lagos State High Court, Judicial Division, CBD, Alausa, Lagos, resolved the contentious legal battle over ownership and rights relating to approximately 35.170 hectares of land excised to Oko Olomi Village.
The case, which attracted considerable attention within the community due to its implications for land ownership and communal harmony, had earlier been presided over by Hon. Justice Olokooba before the judge’s retirement. The matter was subsequently reassigned to Justice Kalaro, who concluded the proceedings and delivered the final judgement after reviewing the evidence presented by all parties.
Following the court’s decision, the Head of the Olowu, Agbaje and Raji Family, Chief Molikiu, the Baale of Oko Olomi Community, Chief Ola Olowu, and the Family Secretary, Chief Sheriff Olowu, expressed profound appreciation to the judiciary for what they described as a thorough, impartial and courageous judgement.
The family leaders said the verdict has restored confidence in the judicial system and brought an end to years of uncertainty surrounding the ownership and administration of the community’s ancestral land.
They also issued a strong warning to individuals they described as impostors, urging them to desist from making false claims, misrepresenting themselves or engaging in activities capable of misleading prospective land buyers or causing fresh disputes within the community.
According to them, the judgement has clearly settled the issues in contention, and they appealed to members of the public to respect the court’s decision and avoid dealing with unauthorised persons on matters concerning the disputed land.
The suit was instituted against several defendants, including
Lateef Alaba Lawal Eleku,
Muridiu Eleku,
Korede Lawal,
Toyin Awawu Shittu Eleku,
Femi Bakare and others.
Court documents revealed that the claimants, through their Amended Writ of Summons and Statement of Claim dated December 18, 2023, sought a declaration that both the claimants’ families and the first to sixth defendants’ families, as recognised members of Oko Olomi Village, are jointly and severally entitled to the statutory right of occupancy over the land covered by the Lagos State Official Gazette No. 19, Volume 40, dated February 22, 2007.
The claimants argued that the land had been excised in favour of Oko Olomi Village and that its sharing and administration were consistent with resolutions reached during meetings convened by the late Baale of the community, Alhaji Adebayo Alli. They further maintained that the distribution of the land followed long-established family arrangements and previous partitions agreed upon by the constituent families.
During the proceedings, both parties presented extensive documentary evidence, witness testimonies, exhibits and legal submissions in support of their respective positions. The court also heard counterclaims before evaluating the totality of the evidence.
In his judgement, Justice Kalaro stated that the court had painstakingly examined the pleadings, documentary exhibits, witness statements made on oath, testimonies obtained during cross-examination and the final written addresses of counsel before arriving at its conclusions.
The judge noted that every material issue raised by the parties had been carefully considered in accordance with the applicable law and the evidence placed before the court.
Reacting to the outcome, Chief Molikiu described the judgement as a victory not only for the Olowu, Raji and Agbaje families but also for justice and peaceful coexistence within Oko Olomi Community. He urged all parties to embrace peace, respect the authority of the court and work together for the progress of the community.
Similarly, Chief Ola Olowu and Chief Sheriff Olowu called on residents, investors and stakeholders to remain law-abiding and support efforts aimed at preserving peace and promoting sustainable development in Oko Olomi.
They stressed that the judgement should serve as the final resolution of the long-standing dispute and expressed optimism that the community can now focus on development, investment and unity without the distractions of prolonged litigation.
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