The sole attorney to the estate of the late Madam Efunroye Tinubu, Chief Akindele Adamakin, has warned members of the public against purchasing property on the 8.994-acre parcel of land at Akobi Crescent, off Fashoro Lane, Surulere, Lagos, stressing that prospective buyers risk losing their investments.

Addressing journalists at a press conference, Adamakin condemned what he described as the continued disregard for judicial decisions by individuals allegedly marketing and selling buildings on the land despite a valid judgment of the Lagos State High Court affirming the Tinubu family’s ownership.

He described the transactions as fraudulent, arguing that no one can lawfully transfer ownership of land or buildings without a valid title. He advised prospective buyers to conduct thorough due diligence before purchasing any property.

Adamakin said the alleged illegal sales not only constitute fraud but also undermine the justice system by encouraging disobedience to court orders.

He stressed that respect for the rule of law remains the foundation of every democratic society and urged all citizens to comply with judgments delivered by competent courts.

The warning follows a judgment delivered in Suit No. M/294/2010 over the ownership of the land measuring approximately 8.994 acres at Akobi Crescent.

The dispute involved a retired Colonel, who claimed ownership through a Deed of Conveyance dated February 3, 1976, and members of the Tinubu family represented by Tajudeen Ademola Toriola and others, who challenged the validity of the document and maintained that the property formed part of Madam Efunroye Tinubu’s estate.

Court records showed that the dispute escalated after the retired military officer allegedly led police officers to the property on September 23, 2007, where houses occupied by residents were demolished without lawful eviction orders.

On October 31, 2013, Justice O. Atinuke Ipaye declared the 1976 Deed of Conveyance invalid, null and void, ordered its cancellation at the Lagos Lands Registry and awarded damages against the retired military officer for trespass arising from the unlawful demolition.

The judgment affirmed the Tinubu family’s ownership of the disputed land.

Following the judgment, the Tinubu family eventually took possession of the property after no successful appeal overturned the decision.

Adamakin, however, alleged that some individuals have continued to present themselves as owners while selling portions of the land to unsuspecting members of the public.

He urged estate developers, investors, financial institutions, legal practitioners and intending buyers to verify ownership documents before entering into any transaction involving the property.

According to him, any sale, assignment or transfer by persons without lawful authority is invalid and cannot confer legal title on any purchaser.

He also called on relevant government agencies, law enforcement authorities and professional bodies in the real estate sector to take decisive action against those allegedly involved in the illegal sale of the property.

Adamakin reiterated that the Tinubu family would continue to protect its interests through lawful means and advised anyone with concerns about ownership of property within the area to seek independent legal verification before concluding any transaction.