Fifteen years after the death of her husband, a widow, Mrs. Bose Matanmi, has appealed to community leaders, church authorities and other relevant stakeholders to intervene in an alleged dispute over her late husband’s estate.

In a statement jointly signed by Mrs. Matanmi and her two children, Titi and Tunde Matanmi, the family alleged that they have been denied access to properties belonging to the late Oluyinka Matanmi, who died on December 18, 2009.

At the centre of the dispute is a commercial property located at No. 135, Murtala Muhammed Way, Ilorin, comprising about 45 lock-up shops, which the family claimed formed part of the deceased’s estate.

According to documents made available to journalists, Mrs. Matanmi said she was served with a quit notice in 2010, barely a year after her husband’s death, directing her and her children to vacate the family residence.
She said the notice was later followed by a reminder, forcing the family to relocate from the property in 2013.

The widow alleged that since her husband’s death, the disputed property has remained under the control and management of Prof. Babajide Matanmi, a retired academic, cleric and former commissioner.

According to the family, rental income from the property has been collected and managed without their involvement or access to information regarding the administration of the estate.

The statement added that Mrs. Matanmi approached members of the extended Matanmi family and respected community leaders in search of an amicable resolution.

According to the family, several attempts at mediation over the years have failed to resolve the dispute.

They said the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Kwara was among those who reportedly intervened in an effort to facilitate dialogue between the parties.

The family also disclosed that the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, was approached to help resolve the lingering dispute.

Mrs. Matanmi and her children maintained that they were not seeking confrontation but transparency and accountability in the management of assets they believe form part of the late Oluyinka Matanmi’s estate.

According to them, the dispute extends beyond property ownership and directly affects the future and welfare of the deceased’s children.
They appealed to relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure that justice, fairness and due process prevail in the resolution of the matter.