In a development that underscores the complexities of longstanding commercial litigation in Nigeria’s bustling economic hub, Justice Adedayo Oyebanji of the Lagos High Court at Tafawa Balewa Square has referred the contentious suit filed by Ojukwu Transport Limited (OTL) to the Multudoor Court House. The case centers on an alleged N12 million arrears in rent owed by West African Offshore Limited—a debt accumulating over 13 years since its lease expired in 2012.
During the resumed court sitting on March 10, Justice Oyebanji took up a series of pending applications, including the dispute over West African Offshore Limited’s failure to pay rent following the expiration of its lease. OTL contends that since 2012, the company has not received a single naira in rental payments, an assertion that has now taken center stage as the court considers its next steps.
Adding another layer to the dispute, Maple Petrochemicals—an entity owned by Kwara Governor Abdurahman Abdurazak and also a party to the litigation—has filed an application requesting that the court restrain OTL. This action comes on the heels of OTL executing a warrant on the 14 Probyn Road, Ikoyi property back in 2022 following a 2018 judgment.
Notably absent from today’s proceedings were Afamefuna and Nwachukwu Ojukwu, represented by their close associate Bianca Ojukwu, who had earlier sought to withdraw her application to join the suit. In contrast, OTL’s key representatives, including Director Dr. P Ike Ojukwu, counsel Ifeanyi Okumah, and estate agent Massey Udegbe, were present in court, defending the company’s stance.
In a related matter, another litigation involving Form 49 contempt proceedings—initiated by Bianca and her sons against the Ojukwu family, OTL, and certain tenants—has been adjourned until June 16 by Justice A. M Lawal, who granted the plaintiffs’ request for more time to respond.
This case, originally registered as LD/1539/2012 with a 2022 judgment, saw Bianca litigating on behalf of her now-grown children, who were minors at the time of the earlier proceedings. The litigation reflects deep-seated disputes and unresolved tensions that have long dogged OTL, further complicated by overlapping interests and claims involving multiple parties.
As legal maneuvers continue, the referral to the Multudoor Court House sets the stage for a more detailed examination of the contractual and financial obligations that underpin the case. With commercial disputes such as this often having far-reaching implications for property rights and business operations in Lagos, all eyes remain on the unfolding judicial process.
