BENIN CITY — In a landmark decision, the Edo State High Court has revoked several Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) issued to multiple individuals, reaffirming ownership of a large expanse of land in favour of Uyiekpen Ologbosere and his company, Portcall International Farms Ltd.

The judgement, delivered by Justice Geraldine Imadegbelo, comes in the case of Uyiekpen Ologbosere & Portcall International Farms Ltd vs. The Governor of Edo State & 20 Others (Suit No. B/672/2023).

In a consent judgement reached between the parties, the court declared that all Certificates of Occupancy previously issued by the Edo State Government to other persons over the disputed land are null, void, and of no legal effect.

Court Upholds Claimants’ Title to 200 Hectares of Land

Justice Imadegbelo upheld the Certificate of Occupancy No. EDSR 14764, originally issued to Uyiekpen Ologbosere and his company, covering a total of 200.309 hectares of land located at Obagie-Nevbosa Village in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Edo State.

The court noted that the land in question, clearly delineated in Survey Plan No. SEA/ED/97 and bordered in pink, was lawfully granted to the claimants by the government prior to the issuance of conflicting certificates to other parties.

By the court’s decision, all other titles or documents of ownership issued by the governor or any government agency over the same parcel of land have been revoked and set aside.

Perpetual Injunction Against Trespassers

In addition to revoking the conflicting certificates, the court issued an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Edo State Government, its agents, assigns, or any other individuals acting on its behalf, from trespassing on any portion of the 200.309 hectares of land.

Justice Imadegbelo further granted the claimants full authority to retrieve possession of the entire land and evict any trespassers, emphasizing that any further interference would amount to contempt of court.

“The court hereby grants an order restraining the defendants, their servants, agents, or privies from entering, occupying, or dealing with any portion of the land described in the said Certificate of Occupancy No. EDSR 14764,” the judgment stated.

Legal Implications and Enforcement

Although the court did not award monetary damages, the decision gives the claimants legal backing to recover the property and enforce their rights through lawful means.

Legal experts say the ruling underscores the binding nature of consent judgments, which, once entered, have the same effect as judgments delivered after a full trial.

The judgment also serves as a warning to individuals who engage in multiple land transactions or accept Certificates of Occupancy without proper due diligence.

With this verdict, anyone who attempts to encroach on the said property risks being held in contempt of court, which may result in imprisonment or other penalties as provided by law.

Background to the Dispute

The case stemmed from a long-standing dispute over land ownership in Obagie-Nevbosa, an area in Ikpoba Okha LGA that has witnessed rapid real estate development and overlapping land claims.

Uyiekpen Ologbosere and his company, Portcall International Farms Ltd, had approached the court seeking to protect their investment and title against what they described as government-backed encroachment and illegal allocation of their property to third parties.

The claimants argued that their Certificate of Occupancy had been duly issued before the government granted new certificates to other individuals — a move that led to years of legal tussle.

The recent consent judgement now brings a final resolution to the matter, restoring ownership to the original holders and restraining further interference.

A Victory for Landowners’ Rights

The ruling is being hailed as a victory for property rights and the rule of law in Edo State. It reinforces the importance of legal documentation and judicial protection for genuine landowners, particularly in regions where overlapping titles and land-grabbing have become recurring issues.

Observers note that the decision also reflects the judiciary’s commitment to curbing land disputes, which often slow down urban development and investment.

With the court’s decision now in effect, the claimants are expected to begin the reclamation of their land and enforcement of the judgment in the coming weeks.