A Century-Old Legacy at Risk: Taylor Family Accuses Lagos State Government of Land Grabbing

In a heated press conference held on January 2, 2025, legal representatives of the E.J. Alex Kehinde Taylor Family laid bare accusations against the Lagos State Government for what they described as a “blatant disregard for the rule of law and justice.” The family claims the government has unlawfully occupied their ancestral land at Plots 412/420 Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway, Abule Egba, without due compensation or legal justification.

The property, a sprawling parcel of land acquired in 1912 by Rt. Rev. Bishop James Johnson and later conveyed to E.J. Alex Taylor, has been at the center of a protracted legal battle. Despite a 2019 Consent Judgment by Justice O.A. Ogala recognizing the Taylor Family as rightful owners, the government has allegedly refused to comply, leaving the family in legal limbo.

Tracing its roots to over a century ago, the Taylor Family’s ownership of the land is steeped in history. The property was acquired, managed, and maintained with diligence, serving as a hub for industrial activity and community development.

“The Taylor Family has done everything right,” declared Olalekan F. Ojo, the family’s counsel and Managing Partner of Platinum and Taylor Hill LP. “They have paid their tenement rates, maintained the property, and upheld their obligations. Yet, they find themselves fighting to reclaim what is rightfully theirs.”

The property, which once housed thriving industries, now lies in ruins, vandalized and neglected. The family alleges that armed thugs, under the guise of factions, have been allowed to wreak havoc on the land, further compounding their loss.

Central to the dispute is the Lagos State Government’s apparent refusal to honor the Consent Judgment of December 2019. According to Ojo, this judgment unequivocally established the Taylor Family’s ownership of the property. However, instead of complying, the government has allegedly resorted to revocation orders, procedural delays, and what the family describes as “bureaucratic sabotage.”

“This is more than a property dispute,” Ojo emphasized. “It’s a test of our judiciary, our democracy, and the government’s accountability to its people.”

The case has not only dragged on in court but has also subjected the family to emotional and financial distress. The ongoing litigation, marked by what the family calls “frivolous applications” from the government, has frustrated attempts at resolution.

The press conference highlighted the human cost of the government’s actions. Members of the Taylor Family have endured years of uncertainty, financial loss, and emotional anguish. For them, the land represents more than a financial asset; it is a cornerstone of their heritage and identity.

“To see our family legacy reduced to rubble is heartbreaking,” one family member remarked. “This isn’t just about land—it’s about who we are and the future we want to leave for our children.”

In a firm call to action, the family urged the Lagos State Government to:

1. Comply with the Consent Judgment of December 2019.

2. Either pay adequate compensation as mandated by law or return the property.

3. Cease all acts of encroachment, harassment, and procedural delays.

The family also appealed to the Chief Judge of Lagos State to prioritize the reassignment and resolution of their pending case, ID/13980MFHR/2022, to restore faith in the judicial system.

The Taylor Family emphasized that this case extends beyond their personal plight. It serves as a litmus test for the protection of private property rights and the accountability of government institutions.

“This is a matter of principle,” Ojo stated. “If the government can ignore a binding court judgment and dispossess citizens of their property, no one is safe. The rule of law must not be optional.”

The Taylor Family’s case underscores a critical challenge in Nigeria’s legal and governance systems: the enforcement of judicial decisions. As the family awaits a resolution, their plight serves as a poignant reminder of the need for fairness, equity, and accountability in a democratic society.

The ball is now in the court of the Lagos State Government. Will it honor its obligations, or will it further erode public trust in governance and the judiciary?

For now, the Taylor Family waits—steadfast in their fight for justice, unwavering in their demand for accountability, and resolute in their belief that the rule of law must prevail.