The 86 years old family head of Oni-Orisan in Epe, Alhaji Abdulmoshood Babatunde has confirmed that the family legally sold her 
land to an estate firm ‘Harmony Gardens and Estate Development Limited land it cannot be reversed.
The octogenarian made this known at a press conference held in Lagos. Babatunde said that he sold landed properties to Harmony Gardens on behalf of the family in Oju-Ota, Oko-Orisan Village, Epe, Lagos, with the knowledge and consent of his siblings.
However, controversy arose when Mrs. Modupe Damaisu Oni-Orisan, described as a half-sister, claimed that the same portion of land had been sold to another party, Bashiru Fakorede. Oni-Orisan denied this, emphasizing that he is the rightful head of the family and did not initiate or delegate any other transaction.
The family has received an initial payment of N35 million from Harmony Gardens, and Oni-Orisan expressed dismay at the encroachment and disruption of Harmony Gardens’ peaceful business on July 17, 2024. He alleged that Mrs. Oni-Orisan and Fakorede orchestrated the encroachment, demolishing properties worth billions of naira.
Oni-Orisan has petitioned the Commissioner of Police to investigate and prevent further destruction. However, he claims that AIG Zone 2, Olaoye Durosinmi, released armed officers to supervise and provide surveillance for the perpetrators on July 22, 2024.
“The family has evidence, including video recordings and statements from suspects, showing the involvement of Modupe and Fakorede, allegedly backed by Durosinmi”, the family head said.
They are urging the Director of Public Prosecution, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, to take over the case file and prevent malicious prosecution. Additionally, they are calling on the Inspector General of Police to intervene and prevent unlawful and malicious arraignment and prosecution.
Human Rights Activists Joel Ikuseka and Bodun Olatunji Nicholas corroborated Oni-Orisan’s account, calling for justice, restoration of peace, and non-interference in Harmony Gardens’ business.