Ojota property dispute: Family administrator raises fresh allegations

Wisdom Adebisi

The ownership and administration dispute over a family estate in Ojota, Lagos, has taken a fresh turn, with one of the documented administrators and beneficiaries, Fadeel Kazeem, raising allegations of trespass, construction activities and attempts to market a disputed property at 406 Ikorodu Road, Ojota, formerly known as Ojota Motel.

Kazeem, who identifies himself as an administrator and beneficiary of the estate of the late Alhaji Kazeem, said the activities were particularly concerning because legal issues relating to the ownership, administration and beneficial interests in the estate remain unresolved.

According to him, the dispute extends beyond a disagreement among family members, as actions involving the occupation, development, marketing or disposal of contested estate property could potentially create further complications for the parties claiming interests in the assets.

Kazeem alleged that the property was demolished on May 2, 2026, following earlier regulatory proceedings, but that activities subsequently resumed at the premises.

He alleged that persons returned to the property, rubble was removed, and blocks were later erected on the site.

The administrator said the development raised questions about the authority under which such activities were allegedly being undertaken, while issues concerning the property remained before the relevant authorities and courts.

Kazeem said his concerns were also informed by what he described as his responsibility to protect the interests of the estate and preserve properties whose ownership or beneficial interests remain contested.

He pointed to a Letter of Administration supplied in support of his position, which identifies him as an administrator and beneficiary of the estate.

The dispute has also acquired a commercial dimension following allegations that the Ojota property was being marketed or otherwise positioned for disposal.

Kazeem expressed concern that prospective purchasers or investors could potentially become involved in further disputes if they commit funds to property whose ownership and beneficial interests remain subject to competing claims.

In an apparent effort to alert members of the public, a “CAVEAT EMPTOR — BUYER BEWARE” notice concerning the property was published in a national newspaper on July 10, 2026.

According to Kazeem, the notice was intended to caution prospective buyers, investors and other interested persons to conduct appropriate searches and obtain independent legal advice before entering into any transaction involving the property.

He advised anyone considering a transaction concerning the property to independently verify its legal and registration status before committing funds.

Beyond the property dispute, Kazeem also alleged that tensions among some members of the family had resulted in threats and intimidation involving beneficiaries and other persons connected with the estate.

He alleged that some family members had come under pressure while attempting to assert or protect what they considered their lawful interests in the disputed properties.

Kazeem said complaints concerning the properties had also been brought before the Lagos State Ministry of Justice Special Task Force on Land Grabbers, urging the relevant authorities to properly document and investigate allegations of threats, harassment, intimidation or unlawful interference.

He maintained that any allegation of criminal or unlawful conduct should be subjected to appropriate investigation rather than allowing the family disagreement to escalate.

The wider dispute, according to Kazeem, extends beyond the former Ojota Motel property to No. 7 Alhaji Kazeem Street, Ojota, and other properties which he says form part of the estate.

Among the legal proceedings he cited is Suit No. ID/ADR/3246/2025, while related complaints are also said to be before the Lagos State Ministry of Justice Special Task Force on Land Grabbers.

The existence of the legal proceedings provides a formal avenue for the competing parties to present their claims, challenge opposing positions and seek determination of their respective rights.

For Kazeem, the preservation of the disputed properties pending resolution of the issues is therefore essential to preventing further complications.

He maintained that persons who believe they have legitimate interests in the properties should pursue their claims through lawful processes rather than actions that could alter the status of contested assets.

The dispute highlights the complexities that can arise when estate administration, family relationships, property development and competing ownership claims intersect.

However, the allegations of trespass, construction, marketing, threats and intimidation contained in Kazeem’s account have not been established by a final judgment of the court. The persons or parties against whom the allegations are made remain entitled to respond and present their respective positions before the court and relevant authorities.

The central issues, therefore, remain matters for judicial and regulatory determination, including who has lawful authority to deal with the disputed properties, what interests properly form part of the estate and what actions may lawfully be taken while the proceedings remain pending.

For now, the controversy surrounding 406 Ikorodu Road, Ojota, remains a dispute involving estate administration, alleged beneficial interests, competing property claims and the preservation of contested assets.

Kazeem said his objective is to preserve the disputed properties and protect the interests of beneficiaries pending the resolution of the relevant proceedings.