A 90-year-old retiree, Mrs. Elizabeth Ogunbate, has appealed to authorities and parties involved in a long-running land dispute at Ilupeju Estate, Odo-Oyanta, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, for amicable settlement amid fears of possible demolition of homes in the community.

Residents of the estate staged a protest on Saturday over what they described as an escalating threat to their homes and security, noting that more than 100 occupants have lived on the disputed land for many years.

Ogunbate, who residents said had previously experienced demolition, reportedly returned from Lagos to settle in Ijebu-Ode after retirement. She is now appealing against any action that could leave her homeless again, particularly at her advanced age.

The dispute centres on competing claims of ownership over portions of land on which residents said they bought plots, built houses and have lived for more than two decades.

The residents maintained that they acquired their properties in good faith from persons they believed had the authority to sell or allocate the land.

Correspondence from lawyers shows that the matter has moved into the courts. A May 6, letter by Valiant & Valor, acting for administrators and beneficiaries of the estate of late Mrs. Olayide Odutola, asserted ownership of several parcels and demanded that occupants vacate the land.

Lawyers representing some occupants, however, disputed that position and referred to an existing civil case, Suit No. HCS/29/2024, Mrs. Yewande Ogunde and others vs. Mr. Ibrahim Akeem, before the High Court, Ijebu-Ode. They also referred to a criminal matter, MIJ/63/26, before the Chief Magistrate Court, Ijebu-Ode.

The residents are therefore, calling for the relevant authorities to verify the competing title documents, examine the history of transactions and clarify the scope of previous court judgments, including references to earlier cases HCJ/72/2009 and CA/IB/M.219/2013. (Nigerian Tribune)