Lagos The Lagos-based E.J. Alex Kehinde Taylor Family has called on the state government to uphold the rule of law and justice principles over its expansive land, which the government is reportedly occupying illegally and with force. The family’s attorney, Barrister Olalekan F. Ojo, Managing Partner, Platinum and Taylor Hill LP, spoke to a packed news conference over the weekend and bemoaned the Lagos State government’s continuing possession of the land in defiance of court rulings.

The media were shown the contested property by Barrister Ojo, who said that the land at Plots 412/420 Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway, Abule Egba, Lagos, had been a legacy of hard work and management. He revealed that the Lagos State government had unlawfully and forcibly acquired the land without providing the required amount of compensation. The attorney emphasized that the property had been legally and uncontestedly owned by the E.J. Alex Kehinde Taylor Family, who are the land’s legitimate proprietors.

Going down memory lane, Ojo explained: “The property has been meticulously maintained, managed, and used since its original purchase in 1912 by Rt. Rev. Bishop James Johnson and later conveyances to E.J. Alex Taylor. It has been a site of significant economic and community value, hosting industries and facilitating development.” The family has meticulously fulfilled all of its responsibilities during this period, including paying the tenement rates, keeping the property maintained, and getting insurance.

Ojo claimed that the Lagos State government had taken action to evict the family from the land in violation of justice and equity.
“The Lagos State government has chosen to neglect its legal and moral responsibility notwithstanding a binding Consent Judgment by the Honourable Justice O. A. Ogala in December 2019, which recognized the Taylor Family as the lawful owners,” he said.

To postpone justice, it has instead turned to capricious revocation, drawn-out legal disputes, and administrative ploys.

The sanctity of private property rights and the fairness principle, which are the cornerstones of every legitimate society, are directly attacked by this behavior, which goes beyond simple legal violations.

“Even the government cannot choose to disregard the rule of law.”
According to Barrister Ojo, the property had been neglected and vandalized, with groups and armed thugs destroying important infrastructure and interfering with the family’s ability to enjoy their estate in peace.

Once a bustling industrial complex, the land “now lays in ruins, a clear witness to the disrespect for rightful ownership and accountability,” he said.

The Taylor Family has also been emotionally impacted by the protracted legal battle, which has been characterized by pointless applications and procedural hold-ups. “This is a story of not just land, but also of legacy, livelihood, and justice denied.” Barrister Ojo urged the Lagos State administration to uphold the rule of law by adhering to the December 2019 Consent Judgment, which he emphasized was still enforceable and in effect. Additionally, he demanded that the state government either return the property to its legal owners, the Taylor Family, or provide the sufficient compensation required by law.

“We also call on the Chief Judge of Lagos State to ensure the swift reassignment and resolution of the pending case, ID/13980MFHR/2022, to restore faith in the judicial process and the timely dispensation of justice.” Ojo also urged the government to refrain from any further acts of encroachment, harassment, or delay tactics that undermine the credibility of governance and the judiciary.The Taylor Family is not the only issue at stake in this case; it also concerns safeguarding the rights of all Nigerians against capricious behavior and making sure the government continues to answer to the people it represents.

“Our democracy is based on the rule of law, and its infringement jeopardizes the foundation of our society.”We have faith that the Lagos State government would step up, fulfill its responsibilities, and act justly.We implore all concerned Nigerians to join this appeal for justice, since failure to do so would create a risky precedent that would undermine faith in public institutions and the integrity of private property. By working together, we can guarantee that justice, equity, and the rule of law are upheld.