In a land dispute at Ilado, Akure, a High Court Judge, Justice A. Adegoroye has ruled that the Iyalobirin of Eleyowo Community, Chief Mrs Cecilia Taye Ologede and a clergy, Pastor Akintade Oni lacked powers to solely transfer any interest in the Arijodi/Ologunmolaare family land.
While delivering judgement on the matter, the trial judge stated that the two defendants mentioned above were the family head and Secretary respectively.
The duo were dragged to court by one Iyabo Alonge, Boluwaji Aajayi, Olugbenga S. Omolere along with five others for themselves and on behalf of Arijodi/Ologunmolaare family in Akure.
The claimants brought seven prayers before the court ranging from declarations that the defendants cannot unilaterally transfer any interest on the land, cannot confer title on any person or group to a declaration that the defendant had not been authorized to transfer land.
They further sought order of court that such transfer made to be void and an order of perpetual injunction restraining any person or groups from interfering, meddling or dealing with any portion of the claimants’ family land.
While granting the reliefs, Justice Adegoroye also ordered that a standing committee be constituted which would comprise of the defendants, claimants and some other principal members of the family.
The committee is to be in charge of the partioning, sales, transfer or any other forms of dealing with the family in a way that will affect the right of ownership of any persons or groups.
He further said that all sales, transfer or alienation of any portion of the land earlier done by the defendants shall be re-validated by the standing committee. a