Family Challenges Epe Land Ruling, Warns Against New Sales

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.

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ILO Reaffirms Commitment to Labor Justice Amid Judicial Transition

Dar es Salaam. The International Labour Organization (ILO) has reiterated its dedication to enhancing labor fairness and advancing social equity in Tanzania during a send-off and welcoming event hosted at Kazi House in Dar es Salaam.

The ceremony recognized Judge Mlyambina for his contributions within the Labor Division of Tanzania's Supreme Court and introduced Honorable Judge Kerekamajenga as the new judge assigned to the division.

It gathered delegates from the Judiciary, Government, employer and worker groups, the legal community, development allies, and the ILO, all of whom praised the departing judge's efforts and emphasized the significance of ongoing collaboration in promoting labor justice.

During the event, Caroline Mugalla, the ILO Representative for Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, emphasized the partnership between the ILO and the Judicial system in advancing fair labor practices and social equity.

"A robust labor justice system is essential for promoting fair employment and social equity. The ILO highly appreciates its enduring collaboration with the Tanzanian judiciary, which has improved access to justice, encouraged adherence to workers' rights, and helped build more inclusive and stable labor market structures," she stated.

Ms. Mugalla mentioned that the organization anticipates enhancing the collaboration to assist employees, business owners, and governmental initiatives aimed at creating a more equitable workplace environment.

She further praised Judge Mlyambina for his guidance in enhancing labor legal frameworks, highlighting his involvement in projects carried out together with the ILO, such as the release of Labor Court Division court decisions and training programs designed to enhance uniformity in handling labor conflicts.

The ILO expressed appreciation for Hon Justice Kerekamajenga, highlighting its dedication to maintaining collaboration with the Judicial branch in improving access to labor justice, boosting organizational capabilities, and assisting in the enforcement of global labor norms.

The group pointed out that the shift in leadership occurs during a period where labor markets are quickly changing because of technology advancements, environmental changes, population trends, and emerging work arrangements, emphasizing the importance of flexible and easy-to-access labor justice frameworks.

Attendees of the gathering emphasized that continuous communication between the Judicial branch, government bodies, employer associations, worker groups, and developmental allies continues to be essential for establishing robust labor market structures that encourage equity, confidence, and long-term economic progress.

The ILO restated its backing for Tanzania's Decent Work Initiative, emphasizing its dedication to enhancing labor justice systems that enforce the rule of law, safeguard workplace rights, and foster fair and inclusive job markets.

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Disability Rights Moot: Aigbokhan Named Presiding Judge

A human rights attorney, community activist, and proponent of freedom of information, President Aigbokhan will act as the lead judge during the semifinals of the renowned Wahab Egbewole, SAN, National Disability Moot Court Competition set to take place at the University of Ilorin.

The National Disability Moot Court Competition, named after Wahab Egbewole, SAN, is considered one of the leading forums for advancing awareness of disability rights among law students in Nigeria.

Commenting on his new role, Aigbokhan thanked the organizers for their trust in him and praised the effort of promoting legal research related to disability rights.

He pointed out that safeguarding individuals with disabilities continues to be among the key human rights issues facing modern society and demands ongoing involvement from legal professionals.

Throughout the years, Aigbokhan has set himself apart by engaging in strategic lawsuits, legal campaigning, and programs designed to enhance skills, all with the aim of fostering openness, responsibility, and safeguarding marginalized communities.

His previous involvement with national and regional tribunals has greatly advanced the growth of human rights law and public interest legal principles in Nigeria and Western Africa.

The final event will take place within the framework of the conference organized by the African Network of Constitutional Lawyers, uniting scholars, judges, legal professionals, and policy makers from throughout Africa.

The nomination acknowledges Aigbokhan's long-term dedication to human rights, constitutional principles, equitable access to legal services, and cases involving the public good, notably his efforts in the lawsuit titled "Unemployed Youths of Nigeria vs. Federal Republic of Nigeria & Others" (Case Number: ECW/CCJ/APP/51/2020), where plaintiffs challenged the Nigerian administration regarding biased hiring practices within the Department of State Services (DSS).

The lawsuit contested the Department of State Services (DSS) hiring policies which permanently excluded applicants with natural impairments (such as stuttering) and those who had previously undergone orthopedic surgery, claiming this violated anti-discrimination laws.

The court was required to accurately evaluate whether the hiring of officials within the DSS violated Article 19 of the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of People with Disabilities and Section 29 of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Act of 2019, as well as whether the data showing more appointments from the northern regions compared to the southern ones constitutes discrimination.

In this instance, the applicant's legal representative, President Aigbokhan, contended that these rigid, inflexible hiring practices essentially exclude eligible candidates from consideration.

An individual contested the state authorities, demanding they establish at least a 5% hiring opportunity quota for people with disabilities, in line with nationwide integration policies.

In its ruling, the court stated that "any difference, exclusion, or advantage related to a specific position grounded on essential requirements should not be considered as discriminatory."

In relation to jobs in specific fields or careers, because of the unique demands or difficulty involved, particular credentials are essential and might disqualify certain groups of individuals who cannot perform the role effectively.

In such circumstances, excluding these individuals cannot be considered discriminatory, provided there is no undeniable evidence that those excluded are capable of performing the job effectively.

In this regard, the court has not received any undisputed evidence showing that individuals who stutter or have physical disabilities, as specified, are still capable of performing the duties needed within a State Security Service.

The court further stated that "Appointments should be based on criteria used by the DSS when selecting individuals for the position, which involve merit."

The candidate has provided no proof indicating that people from the southern region outperformed or achieved higher scores than those from the northern area in evaluation tests or interviews, yet faced rejection for jobs.

A simple claim that the hiring process was unfair, without evidence showing unequal treatment, is considered guesswork and thus cannot be addressed by the court.

Considering this evaluation, the candidate has failed to adequately support their claim of unfair hiring practices related to nationality.

The court further noted that the Respondent has yet to approve the Protocol under the African Charter on the Rights of People with Disabilities.

The Respondent, who is not a party to the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, cannot be considered in breach of its provisions.

The national contest has been running for three years, gathering top law professors from throughout Nigeria to address new legal challenges impacting people with disabilities and promote the development of laws related to disability rights.

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