Property dispute: OTL writes IGP, seeks release of Ikoyi building

According to the company, individuals identified as legal representatives of the minister, alongside other persons and security personnel, were present when the police assumed control of the property..

The company explained that one of its directors later arrived at the premises and presented documents indicating that a warrant of execution had earlier been levied on the property and that OTL was in possession of it with the knowledge of both the Ikoyi Divisional Police Office and the Lagos State Police Command.

The company however regretted  that its workers were asked to vacate the premises, after which the locks were reportedly changed.

The director was subsequently invited to the Zone 2 Command where he made a statement and was asked to see the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the command.

OTL further claimed that the petition which prompted police action alleged that unidentified persons had taken over the property.

 The company, however, maintained that it was lawfully occupying the premises based on a court judgment.

The firm said that about ten months after the takeover, the property remains under police control while the matter is said to still be under investigation.

OTL recalled that a judgment was delivered on June 1, 2018, by Justice Adedayo Oyebanji of the Lagos State High Court in Suit No. LD/794/2011 which affirmed its ownership of several properties in Lagos, including the Ikoyi property.

The company stated that following the judgment, a warrant of possession was executed with the participation of law enforcement authorities.

It stated that a certificate of completion of execution, known as Form O, was subsequently issued in July 2022.

The company noted that further legal disputes later arose over the property following another judgment delivered in 2022 by Justice A. M. Lawal of the Lagos State High Court in Suit No. LD/1539/2012, which granted possession and control of the Ikoyi property and four others to Mrs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu in her capacity as next friend to her sons.

OTL said it had filed an appeal against that judgment, maintaining that the certificate confirming its possession of the property remains valid pending the determination of the appeal or any order setting it aside.

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The company also stated that several related proceedings were pending before the courts at the time the police assumed control of the property in May 2025.

OTL has therefore appealed to the IGP to review the matter and direct the release of the property to enable the company to resume work on the building.

According to the firm, the premises had been under police lock and key for a prolonged period and had deteriorated over time.

The firm added that it retains legal rights over the property unless and until a competent court decides otherwise.

OTL therefore urged members of the public to exercise caution in any dealings concerning the premises while the dispute remains before the courts.