Late Mrs. Sinatu Adeoye Family representative, Mr Najeem Popoola has expressed deep outrage and condemnation following a violent attack on himself,legal representatives, Court officials, and associates during the lawful execution of a High Court judgment relating to a long-standing land dispute along the Osogbo/Ikirun road.
The incident occurred on Friday, May 9, 2025, during the enforcement of a High Court ruling delivered on February 20, 2025, by the Honourable Justice A.O. Oyebiyi of the Osogbo High Court. The court had ruled that late Mrs. Sinatu Adeoye is the rightful owner of a parcel of land, located along the Osogbo/Ikirun road. The judgment also authorized the presence of the court's bailiff and sheriff for its lawful execution.
As the legal team and court officials proceeded with the implementation of the judgment, including marking structures within the affected area under judicial restriction, they were met with resistance at Jaye Filling Station.
Eyewitnesses reported that the Chief Imam of Jaye mosque verbally challenged the team and ordered them to leave the area. Minutes later, a group of unidentified hoodlums violently attacked the lawyer Barrister Lekan Alabi representing Late Mrs. Adeoye Family, as well as the bailiff and other associates.
The lawyer was severely beaten, and several others fled for their safety. Barr Lekan Alabi had reported the matter to the Police at Ota-Efun Police Station and he had made statement against one Mr Adebisi Jayeola, Alhaji Kabir Adeoye Ashipa, and Chief Imam of Jaye Mosque has been named by the witnesses as allegedly being the brain behind the attack.
Speaking to journalists in Osogbo on Saturday, Mr Najeem Popoola, the lawful attorney condemned the unprovoked violence and called for immediate action by the authorities.
Mr Najeem Popoola stated that the court bailiff, identified as Samotu Lateef assigned to assist the legal representatives in executing the court judgment was uncooperative.He alleged that he acted selectively and displayed bias during the execution process, which sparked the frustration and anger of some property owners in the affected areas.
"This act of lawlessness and brutality is not only an attack on my legal team but an affront to the judicial system and the rule of law. These individuals were carrying out a lawful court order.
He strongly condemned this barbaric act and urged the Nigeria Police and relevant security agencies to act swiftly in bringing the perpetrators to justice," Mr Najeem Popoola said.
He further emphasized that the actions of the bailiff and lawyer were entirely within the framework of the court’s order, and stressed that the rule of law must prevail in all matters of legal enforcement.
"We cannot allow intimidation and violence to stand in the way of justice. I call on the Commissioner of Police,Osun State Command, the A.I.G Zone 11, the Amotekun Commander,and all relevant authorities to ensure the safety of legal practitioners and court officials and to uphold the sanctity of our judicial system."
"The bailiff assigned to assist the legal representatives in executing the court judgment was uncooperative, he acted selectively and displayed bias during the execution process, which sparked the frustration and anger of some property owners in the affected areas." Popoola said.
Mr Najeem Popoola concluded his statement by reaffirming his commitment to peaceful and lawful resolution of the matter, urging all stakeholders and community leaders to support the rule of law and condemn any form of unlawful resistance.
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