A Lagos State High Court sitting in Epe has issued an interim order restraining Multi-Purpose Infrastructure Development Construction Limited, Abbey Mortgage Bank Limited, and seven other defendants from carrying out further demolition or interference with properties located within Roseville Gardens Estate.
The order was granted by Justice Sharafa Olaitan following an ex parte application filed by a group of property owners and residents challenging the ongoing demolition of structures within the estate.
The suit, marked EPD/19014LMW/2026, was instituted by 11 claimants led by Sunny Okeke Akubude, Zeniatu Rosemary Elewonibi, and Osunlakin Akinola Abass, who are also representing 15 other affected property owners.
Also named as defendants in the suit are the Attorney-General of Lagos State, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Lagos State Building Control Agency, the Registrar of Titles, Rosebank Park Limited, Abiodun Lasisi, and Emmanuel Obire.
In his ruling, Justice Olaitan restrained the defendants, their agents, contractors, privies, and representatives from undertaking any further demolition, trespass, or interference with the claimants’ properties pending the determination of a motion on notice before the court. The court also barred the defendants from creating or transferring any third-party interests in the disputed land while the case remains pending.
Counsel to the claimants, G. Ogundele, argued that the applicants are the lawful owners of approximately 50 plots of land within the estate. He relied on an affidavit sworn to by the third claimant, Osunlakin Akinola Abass, which stated that the land falls within the Ogombo excision covered by a global Certificate of Occupancy and was acquired from members of the Amoja Idowu Sakare Family of the Abeje Branch of the Ogusi Chieftaincy Family.
According to the claimants, several property owners had obtained Governor’s Consent, registered their titles, and secured the necessary building approvals before constructing residential buildings, churches, and mosques currently occupied by residents.
Granting the application, Justice Olaitan held that the claimants had established a prima facie interest in the disputed property and demonstrated sufficient urgency to warrant the grant of interim relief.
The judge noted that ex parte injunctions are appropriate in circumstances where immediate intervention is required to preserve the status quo and prevent irreparable harm before all parties can be heard.
“The Claimants/Applicants have established a prima facie interest in the land and shown that there is real urgency warranting the grant of the interim injunction,” the court held.
The court subsequently directed that all court processes be served on the defendants and adjourned the matter to June 9, 2026, for the hearing of the motion on notice seeking an interlocutory injunction.