The Federal High Court sitting in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has ruled in favour of Adron Homes and Properties Limited, affirming its legal rights to own and manage the estate at the centre of a dispute with the City of David Residents Association (CODRA).

Delivering judgment in Suit No. FHC/AB/FHR/58/2023, Justice Abiodun J. Adeyemi dismissed the case filed by CODRA and five other claimants — Elder Gbadebo Aromolaran, Mr. Adetokunbo Adeshile, Mr. Olaolu Ayinde, Olusegun Aba Yomi Esq, and Oluwadamilare Awokoya Esq — describing their allegations as “unsubstantiated, speculative, and without merit.”

No breach of fundamental rights found

The applicants had accused Adron Homes of infringing on their right to personal liberty. However, Justice Adeyemi said there was no evidence to suggest the property developer had taken any action that could amount to a violation.

“There was no record or proof of any invitation, arrest, or action traceable to Adron Homes that could justify such a claim. The allegations were merely speculative and unsupported by evidence,” the judge ruled.

Residents free to associate, but Adron retains management rights

The court also addressed CODRA’s claims that Adron Homes had sought to proscribe the association and restrict residents’ freedom to associate. Justice Adeyemi clarified that while residents have the constitutional right to form associations, the legal authority to own, manage, and make administrative decisions about the estate rests solely with Adron Homes as the rightful developer.

“Adron Homes has no power to proscribe CODRA or prevent residents from associating,” the judge said, adding, “however, the right to make administrative decisions concerning the estate remains vested in the company.”

Adron Homes welcomes ruling

Reacting to the judgment, Adron Homes described the ruling as a vindication of its commitment to lawful business practices and client satisfaction.

“Our true victory lies in ensuring the well-being and satisfaction of all our subscribers and residents, and we will not relent in guaranteeing this,” the company said in a statement.

The company reaffirmed its position as a customer-focused property developer, dedicated to delivering value while protecting the interests of its clients.

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has extended heartfelt congratulations to two of his predecessors, Chief Willie Obiano and Senator Chris Ngige, as they mark their birthdays.

In separate goodwill messages issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, Governor Soludo described the former governors as leaders who made enduring contributions to the progress of Anambra State and Nigeria.

Chief Willie Obiano, who served as Anambra’s governor from March 17, 2014, to March 17, 2022, turned 70 today. Soludo praised him as “a worthy predecessor who made a significant impact on the socio-economic progression of our dear state and the people of Anambra State.”

The governor added, “On this occasion, I warmly celebrate Chief Willie Obiano on attaining this significant milestone of 70 years, and also wish him continued good health, happiness, and many more years of celebration and service to humanity.”

In a separate statement, Soludo also congratulated Senator Chris Nwabueze Ngige, CON, who served as governor from May 2003 to March 2006, and later as a federal minister. Senator Ngige’s tenure was marked by various development programmes that, according to Soludo, “benefited the people of Anambra State.”

The governor remarked, “Senator Ngige, a medical doctor turned politician, is a leader who rendered good services to Anambra State and Nigeria through his various roles in public service. I warmly congratulate him on this special occasion of his birthday and pray that he enjoys many more years of life in robust health and in continuous service to humanity.”

Both Obiano and Ngige have played prominent roles in Anambra’s political and development landscape, with legacies that span healthcare, infrastructure, and social welfare.

The double celebration underscores Governor Soludo’s recognition of the contributions of past leaders in shaping the present and future of the state.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a fresh warning of heavy rains, thunderstorms, and the possibility of flooding across large parts of the country between Monday and Wednesday.

The three-day forecast, released on Sunday in Abuja and reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), spans northern, central, and southern states, with authorities urging residents to brace for potential weather-related disruptions.

Northern States Face Morning Thunderstorms and Afternoon Downpours

According to NiMet, the northern region will begin the week with morning thunderstorms over parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Adamawa, and Taraba States, followed by moderate rains in Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Taraba, and Adamawa later in the day.

The agency warned that Katsina, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Sokoto States face a high flood risk during the forecast period.

“The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thunderstorms and rains from Monday to Wednesday across the country,” the NAN report quoted the agency as saying.

Central Region to Experience Light Morning Rains and Afternoon Storms

In the central states, Niger will likely see light rain in the morning, with thunderstorms and light showers in the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, and Kogi States by afternoon and evening.

Flooding is also considered likely in Plateau, Nasarawa, and Niger States due to expected rainfall intensity.

Southern States to See Widespread Showers

For the southern region, cloudy skies and intermittent light rains are expected on Monday morning in Ebonyi, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States. By afternoon, moderate rains are forecast for Enugu, Edo, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Osun, Abia, Cross River, Rivers, Delta, and Akwa Ibom.

Flood risks are high in Delta, Imo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States, NiMet said.

Extended Forecast and Safety Advice

NiMet’s forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday suggests continued thunderstorms and moderate rains in northern states, light to moderate rains in the central belt, and widespread rains in the south. The agency noted that continuous rainfall in some locations could trigger flash floods.

The agency urged residents in flood-prone areas to activate emergency response systems, motorists to avoid driving during heavy rain, and farmers to avoid fertiliser and pesticide application just before rainfall to prevent nutrient wash-off.

Other recommendations include:

Securing loose outdoor objects

Avoiding shelter under tall trees during storms

Wearing warm clothing at night in low-temperature areas

Disconnecting electrical appliances during thunderstorms

Air Travel and Weather Monitoring

NiMet advised airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports for safer flight planning and encouraged the public to monitor updates through its official website.