Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in Nigeria’s 2023 general election, has publicly expressed outrage over what he describes as an unlawful and forceful attempt to take over a property belonging to Next Foods Limited a company in which his younger brother, Ndibe Obi, is the principal shareholder.
Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi condemned the continued occupation and demolition of the company’s premises located at No. 57 Oduduwa Crescent, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, despite pending legal actions before the court. He revealed that committal proceedings which are legal applications that could lead to the imprisonment of anyone found guilty of contempt had already been filed and duly served. Yet, those involved in the controversial takeover have shown what he called “brazen impunity” and complete disregard for judicial authority and public order.
“Court Orders Must Be Respected” — Obi Warns
Obi emphasized that it is a fundamental principle of both law and civil society that once parties have taken their dispute to court, they must maintain the status quo and allow the judiciary to adjudicate the matter. He warned that flouting this principle undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent that encourages disorder and lawlessness in society.
Efforts for Peaceful Resolution Ignored
According to Obi, both he and his brother have made sincere efforts to reach out to Deborah Olorunlogbon, the woman claiming ownership of the property, with the hope of resolving the matter peacefully and outside of confrontation. Unfortunately, he said, those efforts have hit a brick wall, as the claimant has reportedly remained evasive and inaccessible, ignoring every attempt at dialogue.
Demolition Sparks Outrage, Legal Questions
The controversy escalated when demolition of the property began on Monday, June 23, 2025, and continued into the following day. Heavy machinery was brought in, reportedly based on a court judgment awarding ownership to Olorunlogbon. However, a major point of contention remains: the court case in question listed Deborah Olorunlogbon as the claimant, but rather than naming Obi’s brother or Next Foods Limited, the defendant was listed simply as an “unknown person.”
This legal ambiguity raises serious questions, especially considering that Next Foods Limited had taken possession of the property as far back as 2011, following a legitimate acquisition.
Obi Intervenes as Demolition Proceeds
On the morning of June 24, Peter Obi personally visited the demolition site after receiving a distress call from his brother. He arrived around 9:30 a.m. and immediately confronted the site contractor, informing him that the property legally belonged to Next Foods Limited and was not under the control of any “unknown person.” Obi urged the workers to cease further demolition, stating that a court injunction halting the action was already in effect.
Determined to enforce the court’s position, Obi remained at the site until the legal documents arrived. Upon receiving the injunction, he handed the papers directly to the site workers, which legally halted any further demolition activities.
Media Blocked from Covering the Incident
Following the intervention, Obi addressed journalists on the scene. However, his press briefing was initially met with strong resistance from an agent of the claimant, who reportedly tried to block media coverage of the unfolding event. Despite the attempt to suppress the press, Obi went ahead to condemn the unlawful actions and emphasized the importance of respecting court rulings.
Conclusion
The incident sheds light on growing concerns about the enforcement of property rights, abuse of judicial loopholes, and the urgent need for due process in Nigeria’s legal system. Obi’s intervention not only highlights the personal impact of such actions but also raises broader issues about respect for the rule of law and the sanctity of property ownership in the country.
