Court of Appeal, Ilorin Division, has dismissed an appeal by Artee Industries Limited challenging the Kwara State Government’s ownership of the Amusement Park land along Unity Road/Wahab Folawiyo Road, Ilorin.
In a unanimous decision, the appellate court held that the appeal lacked merit and substance.
The dispute dates back to a suit filed by Artee Industries at the Kwara State High Court, where Justice Nureni Kuranga dismissed the company’s claim and ruled in favour of the state government.
Justice Kuranga held that Artee Industries was not entitled to the land.
The company sought an injunction to restrain the state government from further acts of trespass on the 4.371-hectare parcel covered by Right of Occupancy No. KW 17223.
Artee also asked the court to declare that the government’s erection of a signpost, entry into the land, leasing of the property, and cutting of trees amounted to trespass.
The firm further demanded an order to abate the alleged nuisance and ₦200 million in exemplary damages.
Representing the Kwara State Government, A. A. Daib, Director of Civil Litigation, argued that Artee Industries had no valid title to the land.
The state said the company failed to meet conditions attached to the provisional allocation, including required payments, and therefore had no legal or equitable interest.
The Court of Appeal agreed and ruled that Artee Industries failed to establish any legal or equitable rights over the land because it did not fulfill the grant conditions.
As a result, the company lacked the standing to claim ownership or maintain an action for trespass.
The Kwara State Ministry of Justice welcomed the judgment as it affirms the state’s position and underscores the need for compliance with statutory conditions in land allocations.
The Ministry noted it remains committed to defending public interest and upholding the rule of law.
