Court calls for peace in landlord, tenant conflict

JUSTICE Iyabode Akinkugbe of a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja has ordered that peace be maintained between a travel and tourism firm, Peacock Travels and Tours Limited and its landlord, Jude Ekwenife.

The presiding judge made this order when the matter came up for hearing. She warned counsel of both parties to advise their clients not to take any action that would amount to court contempt. E

arlier during proceeding, applicant had alleged that the roof on its office was being removed with its properties opened up for destruction, but the respondent also alleged that the applicant had sent police after him.

The tourism firm had instituted suit against its landlord (Ekwenife), asking for N10 million over alleged harassment and damages of its properties.

Joined as respondents in the suit aside Ekwenife was former landlady to Peacock, Mrs. Yinka Igandan who claimed to have sold the property and transferred ownership to Ekwenife.

The claimant claimed that, Ekwenife, after purchasing the property at No. 136, Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos, had allegedly refused to recognise Peacock as his tenant and had therefore ordered the firm to pack out even while its annual rent was still subsisting.

Peacock also alleged that on July 15, 2014, “suspected thugs and others in the company of the 1st respondents invaded the business premises of the applicant and proceeded to demolish parts of the structure and in the process destroyed the claimant Internet connection hardware and water tanks.” ‎Justice  Akinkugbe subsequently adjourned further hearing till May 19, 2015.