PUBLIC APPEAL FOR JUSTICE AND THE RULE OF LAW
By the Olubunmi Family
We, the Olubunmi family, make this public appeal with a deep sense of responsibility, pain, and unwavering resolve. We state clearly and unequivocally that we will not relent in our pursuit of justice until it fully prevails. Injustice against our family will never be accepted, normalized, or swept under the carpet. While we acknowledge that the wheels of justice may sometimes turn slowly, our faith in the Nigerian judicial system and in the supremacy of the rule of law remains unshaken. We firmly believe that justice, though delayed, must and will ultimately prevail.
This appeal is not borne out of sentiment or emotion alone; it is rooted in facts, lawful court decisions, and documented events that raise serious concerns about abuse of power, disregard for judicial authority, and the growing erosion of the rule of law. We respectfully seek the attention, conscience, and urgent intervention of the general public, civil society organizations, human rights defenders, legal practitioners, traditional institutions, the media, and all well-meaning Nigerians who believe in justice, fairness, and equality before the law.
We humbly appeal for intervention at the highest level of governance. In particular, we plead with His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, not to allow the alleged actions of the Chairman of Agbado-Oke Odo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mr. Abiodun Ishola, popularly known as EJIGBADERO, to tarnish the reputation, integrity, and legacy he has built over decades of public service in Lagos State and Nigeria at large. This matter, if left unchecked, threatens not only our family but also the credibility of public institutions and the sanctity of court judgments.
Background of the Dispute and Court Judgment
This appeal follows a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on 16th November 2025, which conclusively determined the ownership of our family land in our favor. The judgment was lawful, final, and binding. In accordance with established legal procedures, the judgment was to be enforced by a duly authorized court Sheriff.
On the day scheduled for the execution of the judgment, the court Sheriff arrived to lawfully carry out his constitutional and statutory duty. However, what should have been a routine enforcement of a lawful court order quickly escalated into a disturbing display of intimidation, violence, and lawlessness.
Alleged Attack on Court Officials and Family Members
During the execution of the Court of Appeal judgment, the Chairman of Agbado-Oke Odo LCDA, Mr. Abiodun Ishola (EJIGBADERO), allegedly mobilized armed thugs to violently disrupt the process. These individuals reportedly attacked the court Sheriff and members of our family who were present at the site.
Anticipating possible resistance and violence due to prior threats and tension surrounding the land, we took the precaution of documenting the entire process using video recordings and drone footage. These recordings clearly captured acts of intimidation, physical assault, and coordinated attacks allegedly carried out by the Chairman’s associates and supporters.
Several members of our family sustained injuries during this attack and were rushed to the hospital for urgent medical treatment. The trauma inflicted on elderly family members, women, and youths present that day remains deeply painful and unforgettable. Despite these violent disruptions, the court Sheriff courageously carried out his lawful duty, and we peacefully took possession of our land strictly in line with the court judgment.
Forceful Re-Occupation and Breakdown of Law and Order
Shockingly, immediately after we took possession of the land, the Chairman allegedly mobilized thugs from different parts of Lagos State to forcibly re-invade the property. The gates were violently broken, and the land was unlawfully re-occupied in defiance of the Court of Appeal judgment.
This act of lawlessness created widespread fear and panic within the community. Residents in the surrounding area reportedly fled their homes for safety, fearing further violence and possible loss of life. The atmosphere was one of terror, intimidation, and total disregard for lawful authority.
As a law-abiding family committed to peace and due process, we chose not to retaliate or engage in violence. Instead, we promptly reported the incident at Moshalashi Police Station, where we were assured that both parties involved would be invited for investigation and resolution.
To date, despite repeated follow-ups, no such invitation has taken place, and no meaningful action has been taken to restore justice or enforce the judgment.
Petitions and Institutional Silence
In our continued effort to seek redress through lawful channels, we submitted formal petitions to relevant authorities, including:
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Ikeja (acknowledged)
The Inspector-General of Police (IG) Monitoring Team, Lagos (acknowledged)
Despite these acknowledgements, no concrete steps have been taken to protect our family, enforce the Court of Appeal judgment, or hold those responsible for the violence accountable. This prolonged silence and inaction have further emboldened those allegedly acting with impunity.
Claims of Political Immunity and Intimidation
The situation has been worsened by disturbing claims allegedly made publicly by the Chairman. He has reportedly boasted that the land in question belongs to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, whom he claims to be his political godfather. He has further alleged that due to these political connections, he enjoys immunity from arrest, investigation, or prosecution.
These statements, whether true or false, have had a chilling effect on the community and on our family. They reinforce a dangerous narrative that political influence can override court judgments and silence lawful citizens. This perception, if allowed to persist, poses a grave threat to democracy and the rule of law.
Construction of a Mosque on the Disputed Land
In a deeply shocking development, part of the land lawfully recovered by our family through the court judgment was later forcibly entered, and a mosque was constructed on it without our consent or any legal authorization. The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly was reportedly invited as the chairman of the occasion during the event associated with this construction.
This development left us deeply saddened and confused, as we had always held the Speaker in high esteem as a law-abiding public servant who respects judicial authority. The use of a religious structure in the midst of an unresolved and violently enforced land dispute further complicates the matter and raises serious ethical and legal questions.
Related Incidents: Iyana-Ipaja Market Dispute
In a related matter that further highlights a troubling pattern, the same individual has allegedly attempted to claim ownership of Iyana-Ipaja Market, land that was originally donated to the government by our forefathers during the administration of Late Governor Lateef Jakande.
During disputes over revenue collection at the market, thugs were reportedly sent to intimidate traders and workers. These actions allegedly resulted in violent clashes, including the tragic death of Mr. Michael Ajayi, a garage worker. This heartbreaking incident was reported to the police, and although arrests were reportedly made, those involved were allegedly released the same day despite the existence of video evidence.
To date, these individuals reportedly continue to move freely, allegedly intimidating residents and market stakeholders without consequence.
A Threat to Justice and National Stability
These events raise serious concerns about abuse of power, selective justice, political intimidation, and the systematic erosion of the rule of law. When court judgments are ignored, court officials attacked, and citizens terrorized without accountability, the very foundation of democracy is threatened.
Nigeria must not become a country where the strength of political connections determines justice, and where ordinary citizens are left defenseless against those in power.
Our Appeal to National and State Authorities
At this critical juncture, we humbly and respectfully appeal to:
His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
The Attorney-General of the Federation
The Chief Justice of Nigeria
The Governor of Lagos State
We urge these esteemed leaders to urgently intervene, ensure the enforcement of lawful court judgments, protect innocent citizens, and reaffirm the supremacy of the rule of law. No individual, regardless of political affiliation or influence, should be above the law.
About the Video Evidence
The first video accompanying this appeal features members of our family giving a detailed account of the events on the day the Court of Appeal judgment was executed. The individuals seen in white garments and others appearing in the footage are allegedly members of the Chairman’s group, who were present and later participated in planning and executing the attack. The video, along with drone footage, provides critical visual evidence of the intimidation and violence that occurred.
Conclusion
We trust that justice will prevail. We believe in Nigeriaife's democratic institutions, and we remain hopeful that truth, law, and fairness will ultimately triumph over intimidation and impunity. Our family will continue to pursue justice peacefully, lawfully, and relentlessly until the right thing is done.
Signed:
The Olubunmi Family
