Proceedings at the Ajegunle District Magistrate’s Court were stalled on Thursday due to a jurisdictional objection regarding the enforcement of an eviction judgment at Alaba International Market, Ojo.

Mr. Eric Igweokolo, President of the Association for the Protection and Defence of Human Rights, informed the court that the eviction, reportedly executed on shops H9 and H9A owned by Mr. Eke Chukwu and Mrs. Jane Ezeiffeoma, was improper. He argued that the properties were not covered by the original magistrate court judgment.

Igweokolo added that the dispute is already pending before the High Court of Lagos State, Badagry Division, asserting that the magistrate’s court lacked jurisdiction to entertain or enforce any action related to the matter.

Records presented to the court indicate that the original suit concerned a building at No. 116 Ojo Igbede Road, Ojo, Lagos State. The suit was undefended, and judgment granting possession to the claimant was entered on September 9, 2024. Despite this, enforcement officers allegedly executed the eviction on the Alaba Market shops on December 13, 2024.

In response, Magistrate R. L. Ayilara maintained that the court had not acted outside its jurisdiction. The matter was adjourned to February 4, 2026, to allow parties to file counter-affidavits, additional affidavits, and written addresses.