The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure has delivered a decisive verdict affirming the land ownership rights of Oba Adeniyi Adinlewa, the Obaloogun of Igoba, and three others over disputed lands in Aleo and Imolumo communities, situated in Igoba, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.
In the judgment delivered on April 25, 2025, in Appeal No. CA/AK/18/2021, the appellate court overturned sections of the lower court’s ruling and upheld the plea of res judicata presented by the appellants, thereby dismissing further claims to the same land by Mr. Peter Akomolafe.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Fadawu Umaru and supported by Justices Folayemi Omoleye and Hadiza Rabiu Shagari, allowed the appeal and nullified specific reliefs (e, f, and h) previously granted to Mr. Akomolafe. These reliefs had earlier awarded land rights at Aleo and Imolumo to Akomolafe and his associates.
With the appellate court’s ruling, the claims of Akomolafe and his group to any land in Igoba have now been nullified. The appellants also secured a cost of N400,000 against the respondent.
Legal representatives of Oba Adinlewa have since petitioned the Nigeria Police, requesting urgent intervention to ensure peace in the area.
The letter, submitted on behalf of Oba Adinlewa and Chief Olumuyiwa Falowe (Chief Sasere of Igoba), alleged that despite the court’s ruling, Akomolafe and his associates—including Chief Mrs. Folake Disu and Mr. Oluwatope Abaniyegbe—have continued to unlawfully access the land, sometimes accompanied by armed thugs and police personnel allegedly from the Akure command.
The legal team raised concerns that these actions, if not curbed, could escalate tensions within the community.
They called on law enforcement to enforce the court’s judgment and prevent any further illegal entry or provocation by the losing party.
The lawyers reiterated that their clients remain committed to peace and lawful means of resolving disputes.
However, they warned that the defiance of the court’s ruling and alleged acts of intimidation could threaten public order.
In their petition, the legal team advised that if Mr. Akomolafe or others involved were dissatisfied with the judgment, the appropriate response would be to file an appeal rather than engage in disruptive or unlawful conduct.
“They are free to pursue an appeal through legal channels, not by inciting unrest or disobeying the court,” the letter emphasized.
The appellate court’s decision was firmly grounded in the doctrine of res judicata, which prevents repeated litigation over issues that have already been conclusively resolved.
The court held that the trial court erred by granting reliefs to Akomolafe despite prior judgments in favor of the appellants.
In the aftermath of the ruling, community leaders and residents are reportedly monitoring developments closely, hoping the police will take swift action to avert a breakdown of law and order and ensure continued respect for the court’s authority.
Responding to reports allegedly sponsored online by the Elemo family of Igoba, Oba Adinlewa maintained that he is not a land grabber, as the Court of Appeal has clearly ruled in his favour.
“I am not a land grabber. The Court of Appeal has vindicated me,” he said.
