Peter Obi Condemns Unlawful Takeover of Lagos Property, Warns Against Growing Disregard for Court Authority in Nigeria

 

Peter Obi, the former Governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has publicly expressed deep concern over what he describes as a troubling disregard for judicial authority and public order in a property dispute involving Next Foods Limited, a company linked to his family.

The controversy centers around a property situated in the highbrow Ikeja GRA area of Lagos, which houses Next Foods Limited. According to Obi, the property was forcibly taken over by an individual despite ongoing legal proceedings and multiple court applications currently awaiting adjudication. His statement, which underscores a growing concern about the erosion of legal norms, condemned the intruder's actions as a flagrant violation of the law.

While addressing the public on the matter, Obi emphasized that committal proceedings had already been filed and duly served, making the unauthorized occupation of the premises not just illegal but contemptuous of the court. The individual in question, whose identity remains undisclosed in official statements, allegedly entered the premises without any judicial backing, a move Obi described as “brazen impunity.”

Legal experts familiar with the matter point out that once a case is before the courts, parties are generally expected to maintain the status quo to prevent interference with the administration of justice. Obi echoed this principle, stating that civil society is grounded in the respect for judicial processes and institutions. Any deviation, especially by individuals who willfully disregard the court's authority, threatens the very foundation of democratic governance and justice delivery.

Efforts have been made by Obi and his younger brother, who serves as Chairman of Next Limited, to reach a peaceful settlement. According to him, they attempted multiple times to contact the woman claiming ownership of the property with hopes of resolving the matter without further conflict. However, these attempts have proven fruitless. He stated that she has remained elusive, making any form of dialogue impossible. This continued absence has only intensified the family's concern that the matter is not being handled in good faith.

Observers have noted that this situation is symptomatic of a larger problem affecting the Nigerian legal environment, where court orders are sometimes ignored with little to no consequences. For a society that claims to uphold the rule of law, cases like this send a troubling message to citizens and investors alike. The apparent ease with which individuals can sidestep due process raises questions about enforcement and respect for legal protocols.

Peter Obi’s outcry is not only a personal defense of property rights but a wider appeal for the reinforcement of the judicial system’s authority. He pointed out that if those with influence and resources can face such blatant disregard for the law, the average citizen is even more vulnerable to similar injustices.

Beyond the immediate legal implications, there are broader concerns about the economic impact. Next Foods Limited is a functioning business that employs Nigerians and contributes to the local economy. Any disruption to its operations, especially one arising from unlawful actions, risks damaging livelihoods and diminishing investor confidence in doing business in Lagos, and by extension, in Nigeria.

Civil society organizations and legal advocacy groups have called on law enforcement agencies and judicial officers to treat the matter with the urgency and seriousness it deserves. The expectation is that those responsible for upholding justice will intervene swiftly to restore order and uphold the sanctity of the court.

Peter Obi concluded his statement by reaffirming his commitment to the peaceful resolution of the dispute. However, he warned that the ongoing defiance of court orders cannot be tolerated indefinitely. He called on all relevant authorities to take action and ensure that the rule of law is not only preached but practiced across all strata of society.

As the case unfolds, Nigerians are watching closely, seeing this not merely as a property dispute but as a test of the country’s commitment to justice, accountability, and the preservation of democratic norms.