Supreme Court Affirms Aparisu Family's Land Rights

On July 4, 2025, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, sitting in Abuja, ruled in favor of the Aparisu family regarding their claim to a parcel of land known as Akanyin land in Ikakumo, Akoko. The family had filed an action against an appeal from the High Court of Ondo State, seeking a declaration of their customary rights to occupy the land.

The trial court, presided over by Justice Ado Ekiti, had previously ruled in favor of the Aparisu family on January 27, 1978, affirming their customary rights. The Court of Appeal's dismissal of the appeal led to further proceedings in the Supreme Court, where the appellant's arguments were found to lack merit.

The Supreme Court held that the appellant failed to establish ownership of the disputed land and dismissed their appeal, affirming the trial court's judgment and the customary rights of the Aparisu family.