Court To Rule On Landlord’s Appeal Against UBA On January 9
Justice Olalekan Oresanya of the Lagos State High Court has scheduled January 9, 2025, to decide whether Dr. Olumide Wole-Madariola, a renowned National Security Strategist and former President of the Nigeria Shooting Federation, can proceed with an appeal against a ruling favouring the United Bank of Africa (UBA) in a property dispute.
The case stems from a December 3, 2024, decision that overturned the eviction of UBA from Wole-Madariola’s property in Lagos. The dispute initially arose following Magistrate L.O. Kazeem’s judgment granting Wole-Madariola possession of his property and ordering UBA to vacate due to unpaid rent.
Magistrate Kazeem had ruled in favour of the landlord, stating:
“The claimant’s claims against the defendant’s possession of the office space at Awaye House and mesne profit at the rate of N437,500.00 per month from July 14, 2022, until possession is given up.”
The magistrate further emphasised the landlord’s right to terminate a tenancy upon proper notice, aligning with Lagos State Tenancy Law provisions.
Following the ruling, UBA was evicted on August 16, 2024, by the Lagos State High Court’s Sheriff Department. However, UBA appealed the decision, leading to Justice Oresanya setting aside the eviction, citing “wrongful execution” of the lower court’s judgment.
Justice Oresanya ordered all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the resolution of UBA’s motion for leave to appeal and stay of execution.
Dissatisfied, Wole-Madariola, through his legal team led by Chief Richard Ahonaruogho (SAN), filed a motion on December 16, 2024, seeking permission to challenge the ruling at the appellate court.
The senior counsel’s motion cites constitutional provisions and Lagos State High Court Civil Procedure Rules as its basis for appeal. The court’s ruling on January 9 will determine the next phase of the legal battle.
