This land dispute centers around a substantial 15,309-acre parcel located in Ilara Remo, within Ogun State’s Remo North Local Government Area. The legal battle pits the community of Ilara Remo, represented by twenty-two individuals including key chiefs and community leaders, against Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Ogun State government, Industrial Platform Remo Limited, and Arise Integrated Industrial Platform. The Ilara Remo community claims rightful ownership of the land, while the defendants, particularly the corporate entities, are accused of encroaching upon and exploiting the land without authorization.
The conflict escalated to the Ogun State High Court, where Justice O.S. Oloyede issued an interim injunction against Governor Abiodun, his associates, and the two companies. This injunction, granted on Monday, August 18, 2025, effectively prohibits any further activity on the disputed land, including construction, land sales, or any form of trespass. This legal maneuver stems from an urgent application filed by the Ilara Remo representatives, who allege ongoing and unauthorized development on their ancestral land.
The heart of the Ilara Remo community’s argument, presented by their Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Olumide Ayeni, rests on their established ownership of the land. They accuse Industrial Platform Remo Limited and Arise Integrated Industrial Platform of stealthily constructing structures and selling off portions of the land, attempting to create a situation where the court’s decision becomes irrelevant due to established facts on the ground. This strategy, often referred to as creating a “fait accompli,” undermines the legal process and disregards the community’s ownership claims.
Dr. Ayeni underscored the urgency of the situation by highlighting the defendants’ continued encroachment, allegedly facilitated by the support of Governor Abiodun and the Ogun State government. He argued that mere financial compensation wouldn’t adequately address the harm caused if the court ultimately rules in favor of the Ilara Remo community. The ongoing development, if left unchecked, would irreversibly alter the landscape and diminish the value of the land. Therefore, preserving the existing state of affairs – the status quo ante bellum – became paramount. This legal principle aims to freeze any further activity on the disputed land until the court can fully consider the merits of the case and issue a final ruling.
Justice Oloyede, after reviewing the arguments and evidence presented, agreed with the applicants’ position. The judge acknowledged the merit of their claims and the potential for irreparable damage if the defendants continued their activities on the land. Consequently, the interim injunction was granted, temporarily halting all actions by Governor Abiodun, the state government, and the two companies on the disputed property. This decision represents a significant victory for the Ilara Remo community in their fight to protect their ancestral lands.
The legal battle continues, with the next hearing scheduled for Monday, September 1, 2025. This adjournment allows both parties to gather further evidence and prepare their arguments for a more comprehensive hearing. The court will then deliberate on the substantive issues of the case, including the validity of the Ilara Remo community’s ownership claims and the legality of the defendants’ actions. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for land ownership rights and development practices within Ogun State, setting a precedent for future land disputes.
