The majority shareholder of Next Foods Ltd, Mr. Ndibe Obi, who is also the younger brother of the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has approached the courts to contest the demolition of his property located in Ikeja, Lagos.

In an interview held in Awka on Thursday, Chief Emeka Okpoko, SAN, legal counsel for Next Foods Ltd, confirmed that legal proceedings are already in motion. He outlined their strategies, stating, “We are seeking court orders to be joined as parties to the case and to amend the existing processes to include our client’s name. Our application aims to set aside the questionable judgment that led to the demolition.”

Okpoko elaborated on their case, saying, “We have a motion seeking a stay of execution, another for an injunction pending the hearing of the substantive matter, and a request to convert this originating summons into a more formal pleading process so that all parties can present their arguments before the court.”

Reflecting on the history of the property, Okpoko explained that it was purchased in 2011 with the governor of Lagos State’s consent granted in 2013. He emphasized that there had been no prior legal disputes concerning this property until the recent demolition incident.

“The land is owned by Next Foods Ltd, with Peter Obi’s younger brother as the majority shareholder. The deed of assignment traces the property’s history back to the days of Western Nigeria, when the land registry was situated in Ibadan. The last owners sold it, leaving behind no will after the demise of their predecessor,” he detailed.

Recalling the events that transpired, Okpoko described how he was alerted to the demolition attempt last Friday. Upon investigation, it appeared that enforcement officers arrived without sufficient documentation. “The gateman revealed that they didn’t provide proper paperwork upon their arrival. Upon review, I found out that the Form 41 referenced a mere N5,700 debt related to a recovery of goods and chattels. The case, originally between Deborah Olonwulogbo and unknown parties, appeared to have no direct link to my client,” he said.

He further explained, “Deborah had sought an originating summons for interpretation regarding the property, which lacked any contentious claims to title. It was revealed there were squatters residing on the property while she had been away caring for a sick husband.”

While Okpoko acknowledged the judge’s ruling in the original case, he suggested that the manner of service of documents may have been flawed, “The court allowed substituted service, and I suspect that it was not executed properly.”

Highlighting timing concerns, Okpoko remarked, “The judgment was issued in 2024, yet execution was delayed until June 2025, failing to occur within the six-month window generally allowed for such actions. We have submitted our own processes to assert our rightful ownership of the property, having received no prior notice of the ongoing case.”

The legal counsel asserted, “The original case was filed in 2023 with judgment delivered the following year. However, I’ve seen that the opposing party was issued a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) in 2025, despite us having obtained our own C of O in 2011 with gubernatorial consent in 2013. I question the applicability of a federal C of O for property in Ikeja GRA, especially given the area’s dense development.”

Okpoko emphasized the compliance of Next Foods Ltd with Lagos State government obligations, confirming ongoing annual returns. “Our adherence is documented, and we will present evidence of these contributions.”

With confidence in their position, Okpoko expressed optimism about the outcomes of the legal proceedings, stating, “We will present our side in court, and I firmly believe there’s a compelling case to be made for a favorable resolution.”