Osogbo Land Dispute Deepens: Allegations Mount Against Government Officials Over Obstruction of Court-Backed Land Repossession

The long-standing land dispute involving Hephzibah Holding Ltd and the late Madam Sinatu Adeoye has taken a dramatic new turn as serious allegations emerge accusing unnamed Osun State government officials of obstructing a valid court order, sparking widespread concern over potential political interference in judicial enforcement.

Despite a definitive and favourable ruling secured by Madam Sinatu Adeoye—first delivered in 1997 and revalidated by the Osun State High Court in Osogbo in 2025 the execution of the judgment has reportedly been hindered by acts of sabotage allegedly orchestrated by certain high-ranking individuals within the state’s political establishment.

In Suit No. HOS/71/93, the Osun High Court reaffirmed the rightful ownership of several parcels of land to the late Madam Adeoye, bringing closure to a legal battle that spanned over two decades. The court dismissed the claims of Hephzibah Holding Ltd, citing uncertainties in their case and inaccuracies in their survey documentation. The initial judgment also granted a perpetual injunction barring Hephzibah and its agents from the land.

Acting on this judgment, court bailiffs, backed by security personnel, executed a warrant of possession in early May 2025. However, the process was violently disrupted on May 9, 2025, when unidentified hoodlums reportedly attacked the court officials, legal representatives, and security agents involved in the lawful exercise.

Legal counsel to the Adeoye family, Barrister Lekan Alabi, has since raised alarm over alleged coordinated attempts to undermine the lawful repossession of the property. According to Alabi, unnamed government officials are not only ignoring valid police reports that confirm the legitimacy of the execution but are also actively working to stall or reverse progress already made.

“The principle of res judicata is clear,” said Barrister Alabi. “Matters conclusively decided by a competent court cannot be revisited. We are not initiating new action—merely executing what has already been decided lawfully.”

Further complicating matters is the emergence of pressure from within the judiciary. A senior judicial officer is allegedly influencing law enforcement to halt the possession process, citing a recent court order reportedly secured by one of the individuals currently occupying the land. However, Barrister Alabi insists that the court cannot undo actions already completed under lawful authority.

Additionally, it is alleged that a top state official recently ordered the reconstruction of a building that was lawfully repossessed—one said to be linked to the family of a former state governor—raising further questions about political motivations behind the resistance.

This situation has already drawn the attention of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, following a petition filed by landlords in the affected area, who claimed they were subjected to an “unlawful invasion.” In response, the governor directed the Assistant Inspector General of Police (Zone XI) to conduct a full investigation. A five-member investigative committee concluded that the bailiffs and security agents were in fact executing a valid court order, and recommended that all parties resolve outstanding tensions through peaceful and legal means.

Despite the committee’s findings, the implementation of the court judgment remains stalled amid persistent interference. The Adeoye legal team has expressed growing frustration, emphasizing the need for the rule of law to prevail over political convenience or private interests.

"As widely acknowledged, it was the judiciary that affirmed Senator Ademola Adeleke as the Governor of Osun State. We trust that he will uphold the rule of law with integrity and without compromise."

“This case is a litmus test for justice in Osun State,” Alabi remarked. “We urge all relevant authorities to allow the judiciary’s decisions to stand and be executed without bias, intimidation, or manipulation.” 

The matter remains unresolved, even as tensions simmer in Osogbo over what many now see as a blatant challenge to the authority of the judiciary and the principle of lawful redress.