……. Out of 18 court cases between the two families since 1988, the Fawehinmis have secured 17 judgments in their favour, while the Fasimoyes obtained only one judgment that was subsequently set aside by the courts.
Initially, we had resolved to ignore the latest round of misinformation concerning our ancestral farmland, known as the High Chief Lisa Alujoonu Fawehinmi Estate of Ondo Kingdom, Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State (which some recent occupants/buyers now describe as Canaan City Crescent, Fagun, Ondo City), believing that parties who refuse to obey valid court orders do not deserve further amplification. Our initial resolve was not to dignify repeated misinformation. However, the publication of August 22, 2025, by Periscope News under the headline “Residents accuse police of backing land invasion, demand IGP’s intervention” leaves the public with an inaccurate impression. For the record, we now speak.
THE TRUE STORY:
The High Chief Lisa Alujoonu Fawehinmi Family of Ondo Kingdom issues this rebuttal to set the record straight regarding persistent falsehoods concerning our ancestral land at Fagun, Ondo City.
Our ownership of this land predates any contrary claim. Historical records and the native laws and customs of Ondo Kingdom confirm our family’s ancestral rights. Oral history also records that the Fasimoye lineage originally entered Ondo Kingdom through service to our progenitors, under the leadership of High Chief Lisa Alujoonu Fawehinmi I, the then Oba Jiwomo (1826–1833)’s army generalissimo.
The Fawehinmi progenitor, Pa Fayemohun, was earlier granted the vast land by his in-law, Oba Ajisowo (1786–1802), having married the King’s first daughter, Princess Adesomerun, who bore him three sons: Famuditimi, Fadelere, and Fawehinmi. The King, in appreciation, not only granted the couple land but also gave them a magnificent storey building, known today as No. 1 Igbonkuta Street, Ode Ondo — a historic landmark that still stands.
By native law and custom, this land was vested in our family long before 1958, the year in which a purported Tenancy Agreement was claimed. Evidence of our earlier use includes the Tuja Camp School, established before 1950 by our family for tenant children, later standardized in 1955 by the then Western Region Government.
Given this historical background, any claim that our forefathers leased land in 1958 from the Fasimoyes cannot stand in light of documentary history and judicial findings.
BEGINNING OF COURT CASES:
In 1988, when most of our elders had passed on, one member of the Fasimoye family instituted Suit HOD/58/88 at the High Court. Despite lacking documentary evidence, the claim was pursued until 1997, when it was struck out after 23 adjournments and nine years without diligent prosecution.
Surprisingly, in 2016, the same line of claim was revived with new documents never presented in the earlier suit. This led to one temporary ruling in their favour.
However, in Suit No. AK/35C/2019 (State v. Michael Fasimoye & 2 Others), the Court found that a signature purportedly belonging to E.M.O. Fawehinmi had been simulated. Although the court did not identify the individual who created the forgery, it expressly ruled that the document in question was not genuine.
Following this, in Suit No. HOD/23/2023, the Court decisively set aside the Fasimoye claims. Their subsequent application for Stay of Execution was refused. On appeal, Appeal No. CA/AK/174/2023 was struck out by the Court of Appeal on October 10, 2024.
These rulings form a consistent chain of judgments affirming our rightful ownership.
VIOLENCE AND INTIMIDATION:
Over three decades, our tenants have faced harassment during the pendency of these disputes. Six different fundamental rights suits have been successfully pursued by our tenants, with Justices Ikujini, Akeredolu, and Enikuomehin awarding cumulative damages exceeding ₦5 million for unlawful arrest and detention.
A police investigation report dated November 21, 2023, cleared our family of wrongdoing and advised security agencies to cease harassment of our people.
In the latest incident, on August 20, 2025, individuals acting on behalf of the Fasimoye family entered the land with armed escorts. This matter is under ongoing investigation, including a military orderly-room trial of the soldiers involved.
It is important to note that under the doctrine of lis pendens, any purported sale, lease, or development on land under litigation is void and risks contempt of court proceedings.
OUR DEMANDS:
Withdrawal of any residual police protection extended to the Fasimoye family or their agents.
Completion of the ongoing military trial of the soldiers who participated in the August 20 invasion.
Initiation of contempt proceedings against anyone engaging in land transactions during litigation.
A full retraction and public apology from Periscope News for its inaccurate publication.
CONCLUSION:
Court judgments, forensic findings, police reports, and human rights rulings consistently vindicate our family’s rightful ownership of this land. We remain committed to peace and to pursuing remedies through lawful means while protecting our heritage and ensuring the safety of our tenants.
Signed,
Eni Amin Ororo Olorun
Senior Pastor Olanrewaju Fawehinmi
For the High Chief Lisa Alujoonu Fawehinmi Family of Ondo Kingdom.
