Lagos Court Ends Land Dispute With Public Apology

A land dispute that began during the pandemic has finally concluded with a rare outcome in Nigerian business circles: a public apology and peaceful settlement.

Capital Gardens Limited, owned by businessman Kennedy Okonkwo, formally apologized to Adewale Oladapo and Oretol Nigeria Limited after making false statements about them during a legal battle. The Lagos State High Court adopted their settlement as a consent judgment on January 13, bringing the dispute to a close.

The disagreement started in 2020 when Oretol Nigeria Limited, the developer of Hampton Island Estate in Lekki, promised Capital Gardens four hectares of land after full reclamation. But the pandemic changed everything.

COVID-19 delays combined with rising inflation made the reclamation costs skyrocket. What seemed financially viable in 2020 became impossible by the time work could resume. Oretol terminated the agreement, and Capital Gardens filed suit.

The dispute involved only four hectares of submerged, unreclaimed land within the larger 40-hectare estate. Despite rumors spreading online, the lawsuit never affected the rest of Hampton Island Estate, which continues operating normally under government-approved plans.

Rather than battle for years, both parties chose dialogue. By January 9, they had hammered out a settlement agreement that satisfied everyone involved.

Capital Gardens published unreserved apologies in The Guardian, Leadership, and The New Telegraph newspapers on January 2. The company admitted its statements were false and misleading, acknowledging the embarrassment caused to Mr. Oladapo and Oretol Nigeria Limited.

The Bright Side

This resolution stands out in a legal system where property disputes often drag on for decades. Both parties could have burned through millions in legal fees fighting over submerged land. Instead, they found common ground.

The settlement shows maturity from Nigeria's business community. Capital Gardens took responsibility for false statements. Oretol accepted the apology. Judge Jumoke Pedro formalized their agreement, and everyone moved forward.

For investors and property buyers worried about Hampton Island Estate, the court made clear that this dispute involved only unreclaimed land. The rest of the estate was never in question.

Business conflicts don't always need winners and losers, and this Lagos settlement proves reconciliation can work even in high-stakes property disputes.