PRESS STATEMENT
Jointly Signed by the Olokorun and Adeloye Families
Court Orders Ireshi of Osi to Pay N2 Million Each to Olokorun and Adeloye Families Over Land Dispute
On April 8, 2025, Court Four sitting in Akure, Ondo State, delivered a landmark ruling in the long-standing land dispute involving the Ireshi of Osi, Oba Olajide David Okunato, and the Chief O Olokorun and Elder Mike Adeloye families. In a fair and just judgment, the court ordered the Ireshi of Osi to pay N2 million each to the Olokohoun and Adeloye families as compensation for the disputed parcel of land situated in the Abo-Asakin area of Akure North Local Government Area.
The court, after reviewing the evidence and legal arguments presented by both parties, confirmed that the Olokohoun and Adeloye families are the rightful owners of the land, which has been part of their ancestral heritage for generations. The prolonged legal battle arose from the Ireshi of Osi’s claims to the land, which were dismissed by the court, recognizing the historical and legal rights of the families.
The families are greatly relieved by this ruling, which they see as a significant step toward securing justice and restitution for the long years of uncertainty and hardship caused by the dispute. The court’s decision brings a sense of closure, acknowledging their rightful ownership and the need for fair compensation.
In line with the court’s ruling, Oba Olajide David Okunato, the Ireshi of Osi, is mandated to pay the specified compensation amounts to the two families within the stipulated timeframe. While the Ireshi of Osi has yet to issue a public statement following the ruling, the decision has already sparked important discussions within the community regarding land rights, the role of traditional leaders in such matters, and the critical importance of adhering to legal principles in land ownership disputes.
This case serves as an important reminder of the need for proper documentation, respect for legal standards, and the judiciary’s role in ensuring that justice prevails in matters of land ownership, particularly in traditional contexts where customary claims may sometimes conflict with established legal norms. It is our hope that this judgment will serve as a precedent for other similar disputes across the country, promoting fairness and legal accountability in land-related matters.
Signed,
The Olokorun Family
The Adeloye Family
April 9, 2025