The Oniru Chieftaincy Family Property Company Limited (OCFPCPL) has rejected allegations circulating on social media over the recovery and sealing of a property known as Block 25, Plot 5, Oniru Private Estate, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The company, in a statement issued in response to a video circulated online by some occupants of the property, described the allegations against it as “false and misleading,” insisting that the recovery of the property was carried out through the lawful machinery of the court.
According to OCFPCPL, the property became the subject of a legal dispute following alleged breaches of the terms and conditions of a sub-lease granted to Ottasona Gardens Limited.
The company said the dispute was heard in *Suit No. LD/6554GCMW/2019, Oniru Chieftaincy Family Property Company Limited v. Ottasona Gardens Limited*, before the High Court of Lagos State.
It stated that the court delivered judgment on November 3, 2025, granting reliefs in its favour, including forfeiture of the unexpired leasehold interest, recovery of possession of the property and the right of re-entry.
OCFPCPL said the judgment remained valid and subsisting and was subsequently enforced through court processes.
“On 22nd June 2026, officers of the Court, acting pursuant to the appropriate processes of Court, executed the Judgment and recovered possession of the property on behalf of OCFPCPL,” the company said.
It added that the premises were sealed and secured during the execution.
The company specifically rejected allegations that it unlawfully locked residents inside the premises, maintaining that the sealing and securing of the property were undertaken by court officials in the course of enforcing the judgment.
“It is therefore false and misleading to characterise the execution as an act by OCFPCPL of unlawfully locking residents within the premises,” the statement said.
### Occupants' claims before the court
The company, however, declined to comment on the circumstances surrounding any subsequent entry into, access to or occupation of the property, saying those issues are currently before the court.
OCFPCPL also acknowledged claims by some occupants that they acquired interests in individual units within the property from persons who allegedly acquired their interests through Ottasona Gardens Limited.
The company said the validity and legal effect of those transactions were matters of law and evidence that should be determined by the court.
“Questions concerning the nature, validity and legal effect of those transactions are matters of law and evidence and are now before the Court,” it said.
The company therefore said it would not attempt to determine the issues through interviews, social media commentary or public sentiment.
### Says matter is sub judice
OCFPCPL further disclosed that the occupants who have made the allegations have themselves approached the High Court of Lagos State, seeking, among other reliefs, to set aside the judgment and the execution carried out pursuant to it.
The company argued that having submitted the dispute to the court, the parties should allow the judicial process to run its course rather than seek to determine the matter through public opinion.
“Cases are tried in courts of law, not on social media,” the company stated.
It said it had submitted itself to the judicial process and expected all other parties to do the same.
### Company stresses due diligence by property buyers
The company also used the statement to emphasise what it described as the responsibility of purchasers of real property to conduct proper legal due diligence before acquiring interests in land or buildings.
According to OCFPCPL, prospective buyers are responsible for investigating the title to a property, the capacity of the person purporting to transfer the interest and any restrictions or superior interests affecting the property.
The company acknowledged that disputes involving people's homes could generate strong emotions and public sympathy but maintained that sentiment could not determine legal ownership.
“Property rights are determined by title, law and evidence,” it said.
It added that the court would ultimately determine the respective rights of the parties based on the relevant title documents, evidence and applicable law.
OCFPCPL: No further public commentary
The company rejected any attempt to portray the enforcement of the judgment as an act of self-help or lawlessness, insisting that the execution was undertaken by court officers pursuant to a subsisting judgment of the High Court of Lagos State.
It said it would not engage in further public commentary on the merits of the dispute while the matter remained before the court.
“OCFPCPL has submitted itself to that process and expects every other party to do the same,” the company said.
The statement was signed on behalf of *Oniru Chieftaincy Family Property Company Limited*.
Post a Comment