Ondo deputy gov denies land dispute with widow

The Deputy Governor of Ondo State has denied reports circulating in some media outlets alleging that he is in a battle with a widow over a parcel of land in Abuja.

In a statement issued on Monday by his lawyers, A.B. Mamman, Esq., and Ephraim Garba, Esq., of Idi DanAbubakar and Co., the Deputy Governor described the publications as “false and malicious,” insisting that the matter is already before a court of law and should not be subjected to a media trial.

The lawyers faulted the reports for presenting only the version of the Claimants without seeking the Deputy Governor’s side, stressing that their client’s title document to the disputed land predates that of the Claimants.

“While the title document the Claimants rely upon is dated December 11, 2000, our client’s title document is dated August 25, 2000. In essence, the title document of our client is first in time,” the statement said.

They further clarified that the land dispute predates their client’s emergence as Deputy Governor of Ondo State and only escalated to litigation after he assumed office.

The statement also highlighted the Deputy Governor’s long-standing humanitarian work, particularly through the Elizabeth Foundation, a charity co-founded with his wife, which provides financial empowerment, training, and welfare support to widows in Ondo State and Abuja.

“It is inconceivable to suggest that a man who has dedicated his life and resources to uplifting widows would, in turn, oppress one. The very suggestion defies logic and common sense,” the lawyers stated.

They added that the Deputy Governor remains confident in the judicial process and focused on his service to the people of Ondo State.