NII STEPHEN MALEY NAI vs. EAST DADEKOTOPON DEVELOPMENT TRUST

KOTEY, JSC:- This appeal brings into sharp focus the problems and challenges of land ownership and management as land values soar on the back of urbanization and land use change as what was previously farming land becomes very valuable, prime, residential land. The land in dispute is situate at La (behind the Trade Fair). Over the years citizens and families of La have farmed and/or settled on the land. With time, population growth, migration and urbanization, the demand for the land exploded exponentially and so did the price. An avalanche of litigation was soon unleashed in respect of these lands. In all these cases, the primary issues have been who is the proper authority to make valid grants of land behind the Trade Fair. Is it the family that has farmed and/ or settled on the land, a quarter (a quarter to which a family belongs) or the La Paramount Stool? Prominent and relevant among these cases, for the determination of this appeal are; I. Suit No. L353/97 Nii Kpobi ...