The Soje family has challenged the decision made by the Lagos State High Court in Epe, which recognized the Adegbajo Ruling House as the traditional proprietor of a contested piece of land located in the Eredo Community within the Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The petition comes after the ruling issued on February 12, 2026, by Judge W. Animahun in Case Number EPD/5231LMW/2017, which was filed by members of the Adegbajo family against the Soje family concerning property rights to land situated in Atake-Mafara, Semisolose, Taramigbuya, Agodo, and Igbonla within Eredo.
The individuals filing the lawsuit were assisted by Honourable Sakiru Adesanya Adebanjo, Hon. Olusola Adebo, Adeleke Oshunkoya, Morufu Akodu, Keji Adewale, and Shona Owoseni, whereas the opposing party was supported by Tijani Ismaila Olalekan, Sadiku Fatai, Honourable Lateef Adesanya, and Waidi Tijani.
Unhappy with the ruling, the Soje family, represented by their lawyer James Alara, submitted an Appeal Notice numbered CA/LAG/CV/426/2026 at the Lagos Branch of the Court of Appeal, aiming to reverse the High Court's verdict.
During the appeal, the applicants contended that the trial court made a legal mistake by accepting the claim because, according to them, the plaintiffs did not meet the evidentiary requirements mandated by law.
They further disputed the conclusion that the Soje family provided tribute to the Adegbajo family, arguing that the court incorrectly determined that these payments proved the claimants were the traditional landowners.
As per the appellants, the trial judge did not adequately assess the conflicting customary evidence available in court and incorrectly viewed sporadic presents given to a traditional leader as indication of tribute and recognition of the claimants as rulers.
The Soje family is asking the Court of Appeal to overturn the ruling made on February 12, 2026, and approve their cross-claim submitted on June 26, 2025.
In a sworn statement submitted as part of the appeal, the petitioners mentioned that they and other residents have made significant financial commitments to the contested property, such as homes, agricultural areas, manufacturing facilities, and additional projects.
They also stated that hundreds of individuals live and carry out commercial operations on the land, with certain residents having been present since 1999 and having invested considerably.
They stated that these investments might be at risk if the land's status changes prior to the appeal being resolved.
In the meantime, the Soje family has warned the Adegbajo Royal Family not to sell, transfer, or handle the contested property until the appeal is resolved.
On June 8, 2026, in a correspondence numbered OC/JA/SOJF/26, directed towards the Adegbajo family and sent also to the Olisa of Odogbawojo, the legal representative for the Soje family cautioned against efforts to dispose of the property involved in the appeal.
The family claimed that individuals from the Adegbajo Royal Family started putting up signage on parts of the contested property, encouraging people to conduct business with them.
It cautioned that any such move might exacerbate the conflict and make any final ruling from the Court of Appeal meaningless.
The Soje family requested all involved sides to keep things as they are until the outcome of the appeal is decided.
The date for the appeal hearing has not yet been set.
Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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