Jurisdiction Dispute Delays Enforcement of Alaba Market Eviction Ruling

The legal process at the Ajegunle District Magistrate’s Court was brought to a standstill due to a jurisdictional objection raised over the execution of an eviction order involving commercial units at Alaba International Market, Ojo.

During proceedings, Mr. Eric Igweokolo, who serves as the President of the Association for the Protection and Defence of Human Rights, informed the magistrate’s bench that the removal of occupants from shops H9 and H9A, which are registered in the names of Mr. Eke Chukwu and Mrs. Jane Ezeiffeoma respectively, was conducted improperly. He argued that those premises were not part of the decision originally issued by the magistrate’s court.

Igweokolo further asserted before the court that the dispute over these commercial properties was already under active consideration at the High Court of Lagos State, Badagry Division. He maintained that any attempt by the magistrate’s court to entertain or enforce actions related to the same subject matter went beyond its lawful authority, contending that the magistrate’s jurisdiction did not extend to this case given the existing High Court litigation.

As a result of this raised objection, the magistrate’s court was unable to proceed with the enforcement of the eviction order, and the session was effectively paused to allow for proper determination of the jurisdictional question. The matter now hinges on resolution of the dispute over which court holds legitimate authority to adjudicate and enforce decisions connected to the contested shops within the busy commercial hub of Alaba International Market.

The outcome of this dispute, once settled, will set a precedent for enforcement protocols and jurisdictional boundaries in cases where decisions from magistrate courts intersect with matters already brought before higher judicial divisions.