A Lagos-based educational institution is at the center of a legal battle after its owners, Paulin and Daniel Eboagwu, filed a lawsuit against the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and six others, seeking N11 billion in damages. The case, filed under suit No. LD/15612LMW/2024, stems from the alleged unlawful demolition of the school’s property in the Ilasan Lekki area.

The Eboagwus, through their lawyer, Babatunde Ademoyo, argue that the land in question was legally acquired, with the governor’s consent reflected in Survey Plan No. KCO/902/006B (613/2018/LA). However, they allege that their property, a three-story school complex, was forcefully demolished despite compliance with regulatory requirements.

Other defendants in the case include the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, the General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, and officials from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development. The couple also names Sterling Oil, Chronodexia Investment Nigeria Ltd, Milind Dettatraya Kukarani, and unknown persons as co-defendants.

The plaintiffs claim that they bought the land from the Elegushi Property and Investment Company, only for their ownership to be contested by Sterling Oil and its affiliate, which reportedly purchased adjacent land from Shell Cooperative Multipurpose Society. The situation escalated when a Notice of Contravention was placed on the property, leading to the demolition despite Oba Shaheed Elegushi’s intervention and the submission of all necessary documentation.

In their lawsuit, the Eboagwus are seeking N1 billion in general damages for emotional distress, alongside N10 billion in special damages for the losses incurred. They are also demanding a public apology from the defendants and an injunction to prevent further trespassing on the property.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, when contacted, stated that he was unaware of any lawsuit against Governor Sanwo-Olu.
This case highlights ongoing tensions in Lagos over land ownership, regulatory compliance, and the powers of the state government. The outcome could have significant implications for property rights and development in the rapidly growing Lekki area.