In accordance with a judgement issued by the Lagos State High Court, beneficiaries of the estate of the late Lawrenco Antonio Cardoso have assumed control of approximately 50 acres of land located in Kirikiri Town, Apapa area of Lagos State.
The land encompasses more than 300 buildings, including residences, tank farms, mosques, offices, and markets.
The sudden appearance of beneficiaries accompanied by security personnel surprised local residents, as they posted “caveat emptor” notices on all the buildings, indicating that possession of the land was taken on August 8, 2023, in compliance with a court order (M/7P/2014).
The notice strongly warned against any attempts to re-enter the property forcefully, emphasizing that such actions would be considered intentional violations of the valid and subsisting judgement, leading to potential criminal prosecution.
This course of action follows the terms of settlement reached on June 18, 2014, which was duly signed by all parties involved in the lawsuit, including their legal representatives.
The legally recognized beneficiaries of the estate, represented by Mrs. Olaitan Ogunfade, Emmanuel Adewale Shyllo, John Oloye Reis, and Francis K. Adeojo, took legal action on behalf of themselves and all beneficiaries of the late Lawrenco Antonio Cardoso’s estate.
The respondents in the case include Mrs. Stella Adedoyin Shonowo, Mrs. Bukola Amusan, Mrs. Adetokunbo Vera-Cruz, Lawrence Oluwatoyin Reis, Ms. Taiwo Shyleon, Ms. Winifred Cardoso, and the probate registrar of the High Court of Lagos State.
Justice Jumoke Pedro, in a consent judgement under suit number M/7P/14, invalidated all previous transactions involving properties belonging to the Lawrenco Anthonio Cardoso Estate that were conducted without obtaining proper letters of administration.
The judgement stated that duly appointed and recognized administrators of the deceased’s estate must apply to the probate registrar of the High Court of Lagos State for the issuance of letters of administration. As a result, the administrator-general of Lagos State will cease further management of the estate among all beneficiaries.
