IKEMBA OJUKWU'S WILL CONTROVERSY: Firm Sues Bianca for N140m over Queens Drive Property

Ojukwu Transport Limited has filed a N140 million suit before a Lagos High Court against Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the widow of late Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, over a two-storey detached house located at No 29, Queens Drive, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The company in suit LD/1680/2012 filed before Justice Adedayo Oyebanji is demanding payment of N40 million being expected rentable value per annum of the said premises from September 27 until the defendant (Bianca) gives up possession of the property.

The claimant, represented by one of its directors, Dr. Ike Ojukwu, is also asking for N100 million as damages from the widow of the late Biafran warlord.

At the resumed hearing of the suit yesterday, counsel to the claimant (Ojukwu Transport Limited), Chief George Uwechue (SAN), informed the court that the defendant (Bianca) was served with court processes.

However, Bianca has not filed a defence against the suit neither was she represented in court.

The claimant in its statement of claim stated that by a letter of attorney dated May 4, 2012, it appointed Mr. Massey Udagbe of Massey Udegbe and Co as its agent to manage the property in dispute.

The claimant added that the said property was earlier occupied by one of its directors, Dim Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, who had since relocated to Enugu State about 10 years ago.

It added that the said property was left in a dilapidated and unsafe condition before it was handed over to Massey Udegbe and Co, the managing agent of the claimant.

The claimant added that by a letter dated July 19, 2012 with reference number MUC/MAN.OTL/222, the managing agent informed  Bianca of his appointment and requested her to hand over physical possession of the property but she (Bianca) allegedly refused.

The claimant stated that it published public notices in several newspapers to ensure that the general public and in particular the occupiers of any of its properties are aware of its appointment of Massey Udegbe & Co as appointed managing agent.

The claimant added that its solicitor also filed a notice of owner’s intention to recover possession of the property yet Bianca allegedly refused to release the property.

It added that the defendant’s continued illegal detention of the property is seriously affecting the operation of its business.

In a sister suit No- LD/1681/2012 filed against occupiers of a property situated at 13 Ojora Road, Ikoyi (formerly Hawksworth Road), the claimant (Ojukwu Transport Limited ) is also asking for another  sum of N40 million being expected rentable value per annum of the said premises from September 27 until the defendant (Bianca) gives up possession of the property.

The claimant, is also asking for N100 million as damages the widow of the late Biafran warlord.

Justice Oyebanji has adjourned the suit till March 25 for hearing.