An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has ordered a temporary halt to the sale or transfer of properties belonging to former Oyo State governor, Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, as a legal battle over his estate continues among family members.
The court ruling restrains his wife, Kemi Alao-Akala, from selling, disposing of, or entering into any agreement involving the late governor’s properties until the court decides the main case.
The decision followed a suit filed by Oluwatoyin Alao Aderinto, who is seeking the court’s intervention in how the estate of the late politician is being managed.
The case, marked I/443/2024, lists Kemi Alao-Akala and Olamide Alabi as defendants. They are identified in court documents as executors and administrators of the estate.
In its ruling on an application for an interlocutory injunction, the court granted the request of the claimant, ordering that no transactions should take place on any of the properties linked to the late governor.
This includes a ban on sales, joint ventures, or any form of agreement involving the assets. The order also extends to agents, representatives, or anyone acting on behalf of the defendants.
The court also directed that the case should be heard quickly, ordering an accelerated hearing to ensure that the matter is resolved without unnecessary delay.
In her application, Aderinto told the court that she has both legal and equitable interest in her father’s estate as his first daughter. She alleged that some properties belonging to the estate had already been sold without her knowledge or consent.
She further claimed that there were ongoing plans to dispose of more assets or enter into joint venture agreements involving the properties.
According to her, urgent action was needed to stop further transactions and protect her rights and inheritance.
She warned that if the court did not intervene, the continued sale of the assets could cause permanent damage to her interest in the estate.
The court agreed that there was enough reason to grant the temporary order, thereby stopping all dealings in the properties until the main case is decided.
The dispute has also taken another turn, as an additional application was filed requesting DNA testing among individuals connected to the case.
The request, which aims to clarify issues related to family relationships and possible claims to the estate, was argued before the court.
After listening to submissions from both sides, the court adjourned the matter to April 16, 2026, for a ruling on whether the DNA tests will be approved.
The outcome of that decision could have a significant impact on the direction of the case, especially if questions of inheritance and identity are involved.
The legal battle has attracted public attention due to the high profile of the late Alao-Akala, who served as governor of Oyo State between 2007 and 2011.
During his time in office, he was known as a strong political figure in the state and remained active in politics even after leaving power.
He was also a member of the Peoples Democratic Party during his governorship before later moving to the All Progressives Congress, where he continued his political career.
Alao-Akala’s influence in Oyo State politics made him one of the most recognised figures in the region. His death created a vacuum not only in politics but also within his family, where questions about his estate have now come to the fore.
Inheritance disputes are not uncommon in Nigeria, especially when prominent individuals with multiple properties and extended families pass away.
Such cases often involve disagreements over who is entitled to what share of the estate, particularly when there is no clear or uncontested will.
Legal practitioners say that the courts play an important role in ensuring fairness and protecting the rights of all parties involved.
In many cases, the law requires that estate administrators act in the best interest of all beneficiaries and avoid taking actions that could disadvantage others.
The current case highlights the challenges that can arise when there are competing claims over valuable assets.
With the court’s order now in place, all parties are expected to maintain the status quo until the matter is fully resolved.
At the same time, the case is expected to go deeper into issues such as ownership, entitlement, and the proper administration of the estate.
For many Nigerians, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of proper estate planning and clear documentation to avoid disputes after death.
As the court prepares to hear the main arguments and decide on the DNA application, attention will remain focused on Ibadan, where the outcome of the case could set an important example for similar disputes.
The next hearing date is expected to provide more clarity on the direction of the case and the steps that will follow.
Until then, all transactions involving the late Alao-Akala’s properties remain on hold, as the court works to ensure a fair and just resolution for everyone involved.