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By Zika Bobby
Tenants at 5, Association Avenue, Ilupeju, Lagos, have claimed that they are facing unlawful eviction by the new owners.
Over six tenants, including families and businesses that have occupied the property for over a decade, received a seven-day quit notice on May 13, 2025.
The tenants alleged that the notice was served without following due legal process and that law enforcement was brought in to enforce the eviction.
Vincent Uba, a tenant of 10 years, describes the situation as an abuse of power.
The tenants are concerned about their rights and the legitimacy of the eviction process, a situation that highlights issues of property rights, tenant welfare, and the role of law enforcement in such disputes.
According to Uba, who spoke on behalf of the tenants, trouble began with a quit notice served on May 13, 2025, by individuals from the Oyo State Ministry of Justice, claiming to be administrators of the property.
The tenants claimed that the new owner’s actions are unlawful and have caused significant distress. They are seeking redress and protection from further harassment.
He alleged that the police were used to intimidate them. “Two tenants were summoned, detained and later released.
In the eviction letter, the names of the tenants, including main tenants and subtenants-were mixed up and improperly documented. We were all referred to as “tenants at will,” and given just seven days to vacate the premises, after which legal action would taken if we do not vacate.
A petition has been submitted to the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, regarding this criminal act, and I await further action. Numerous other petitions have been written concerning this ongoing harassment by the new owners.”
Sadly, the intimidation continues-particularly targeted at me.
On June 20, 2025, the contractors and agents of the supposed new owner came with a large truck with about 12 laborers. They attempted to forcefully enter my
apartment and eject my family and I. But for the timely intervention of neighbours,
they might have succeeded.
On June 24, 2025, at 9:00am, police officers came into the premises and arrested
individuals they encountered. Twenty minutes later, four men claiming to be building inspectors entered. There is growing speculation that these actions are part of an effort to secure a questionable demolition approval, despite the fact that the matter is currently before two courts and tenants are in the premises.”
