By Peter Dansu Prince Solomon Ayodele Akran has dismissed allegations that he illegally occupied a residential property at Godo Blocks, Ibe...
By Peter Dansu
Prince Solomon Ayodele Akran has dismissed allegations that he illegally occupied a residential property at Godo Blocks, Ibereko, in Olorunda Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, describing the claims as misleading and a gross misrepresentation of facts.
The denial followed a petition reportedly written by the Nigerian Human Rights Community (NHRC) and addressed to the Akran of Badagry, De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, alleging that Prince Akran forcefully took over a property belonging to the late Commander J.R.T. Williams.
Speaking exclusively with Badagry Today via voice chat, Prince Akran maintained that his occupation of the apartment was lawful and based on a legitimate tenancy arrangement. He clarified that contrary to claims circulating in the media, he is not the biological son of the incumbent Akran of Badagry but a crowned prince and son of the late Oba Ajiyon Kanwo, former Akran of Badagry and father of the present monarch.
Recounting how the issue began, Prince Akran explained that earlier this year he engaged the services of a property agent to secure a residential apartment for his family. According to him, the agent later introduced him to another agent, Mr Temitope Lanre Lumpkin, who presented an apartment at Godo Blocks, Ibereko.
He said he was informed that the annual rent for the apartment was ₦2.1 million, which he paid in full on April 25, 2025. A handwritten receipt was issued, with assurances that a formal receipt and tenancy agreement would be provided by the landlord’s lawyer, Mr Mike Kebonkwu.
Prince Akran stated that during several phone conversations and chats, the lawyer confirmed that Mr Lumpkin was the caretaker of the property and authorised to handle the transaction. Relying on this, he moved into the apartment with his family.
Trouble, however, began when he later received a quit notice from the landlord’s lawyer, alleging that he had illegally occupied the property and that Mr Lumpkin was not a caretaker but merely a carpenter engaged for renovation works.
He said the development came as a shock, especially after he had already taken possession of the apartment in good faith. His legal representatives, he noted, immediately wrote back to the landlord’s counsel, explaining the circumstances under which he rented the property and asserting that the tenancy was valid under Lagos State tenancy laws.
Prince Akran further disclosed that when the matter persisted, he demanded a refund of the ₦2.1 million paid. He claimed that only ₦1 million was reportedly refunded to the agent who introduced him to Mr Lumpkin, while the balance remains unpaid.
“As a peace-loving person and a responsible member of the community, I have already agreed to vacate the property,” he said. “I only asked to be given till the end of December because I have secured another apartment, which is currently undergoing minor repairs.”
He expressed deep disappointment over the publication by the Nigerian Human Rights Community, which he said was later circulated by Oriental News and other platforms, describing the report as inaccurate and damaging to his reputation.
Barrister John Setome Wusu, the personal lawyer and attorney to Prince Solomon Akran, who also spoke with Badagry Today, reiterated that his client legitimately occupied the building in question. He stated that he had written a letter to the landlord’s lawyer (a copy of which was seen by Badagry Today) clarifying the legitimacy of his client’s tenancy of the house.
He further revealed that his client has decided to seek legal redress in court over the rent dispute and the alleged defamation of his client contained in the purported letter of intervention addressed to the Akran of Badagry by the NHRC.
Prince Akran insisted that at no point did he forcefully take over the property or threaten anyone, adding that he has consistently acted within the law and through legal counsel.
He also rejected claims that he paraded himself as the biological son of the Akran of Badagry or used royal influence to intimidate anyone, stressing that such narratives were false and aimed at maligning his character.
The controversy centres on the property at No. 3, Godo Estate, Ibereko, owned by the late Commander J.R.T. Williams and currently managed by her daughter. While the NHRC has called for royal intervention, Prince Akran maintains that the matter is a civil tenancy dispute that should be resolved through lawful and peaceful means.
He appealed to the public to disregard what he described as sensational and one-sided reports, assuring that he remains committed to resolving the matter amicably and in line with the law.
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