An Ibadan-based lawyer, Olusegun Abayomi, has sued the Oyo State Government and an estate developer, seeking N1 billion in damages after his newly constructed office complex was allegedly demolished last week by the Ibadan South-West Local Government in collusion with state authorities.Lawyer Career Advice
The multi-million-naira building, located in Ago Taylor on land leased from the Railway Property Management Company Ltd, was reportedly demolished despite Abayomi having obtained all necessary approvals from the local government, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), and the railway property management company. The lawyer explained that the problem began when a neighboring estate developer requested access to part of his property to use as a road for his own development, offering two plots in exchange. Abayomi refused, and the developer allegedly vowed to use his influence with government officials to ensure the demolition of the office complex.Nigerian Events Calendar
According to the lawyer’s statement of claim, the demolition involved government officials, policemen, Amotekun personnel, and suspected thugs. He emphasized that the land legally belongs to the NRC and that he had fully complied with all regulations in constructing his office, which was scheduled to officially open in April.
In response, an Oyo State High Court granted an ex parte order on February 9, 2026, restraining the defendants from further tampering with the property. Abayomi is seeking declarations confirming his leasehold rights, an order to rebuild the property, N1 billion in damages, and a public apology published in two national newspapers.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, condemned the destruction of railway assets during the demolition, which reportedly included rails, sleepers, signal poles, and other infrastructure worth millions of naira. Opeifa appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene and call the Ibadan South-West Local Government Chairman to order, warning that such actions could threaten law and order. The NRC is documenting the incident and plans to take all necessary legal and administrative steps to protect federal railway property nationwide.
