Beneficiaries of the Estate of the late Lawrenco Cardoso yesterday took possession of about 50 acres at Kirikiri town, Lagos State, following a judgment of the High Court in their favour.
The land area has over 100 buildings, comprising residential buildings, tank farms, mosques, offices and markets.
Beneficiaries stormed the area with security agents to take possession of the land by pasting Caveat Emptor notices on all buildings.
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The notice read: “M/7P/2014 Possession taken today August 8, by Court Order”.
It warned any attempt to re-enter or forceful re-entry into the property by anyone shall be an intentional violation of the judgments.
This followed the Terms of Settlement of June 18, 2014, and filed at the High Court Registry, Lagos, same day signed by parties in the suit.
The legal beneficiaries are Mrs. Olaitan Ogunfade, Mr Emmanuel Shyllo, John Reis, and Mr Francis Adeojo (for themselves and representatives of beneficiaries of Lawrenco Cardoso’s estate).
The respondents are Mrs. Stella Shonowo, Mrs. Bukola Amusan, Mrs. Adetokunbo Reis, Ms. Taiwo Shyleon, Ms Winifred Cardoso, and the court’s Probate registrar.
Justice Jumoke Pedro, in a consent judgment in suit: M/7P/14, set aside previous dealings in properties forming part of Cardoso Estate without first obtaining Letters of Administration.
The Judge said appointed and recognised Administrators of the estate shall apply to the Probate registrar for the processing and issuance of Letters of Administration consequent upon which the Administrator-General of Lagos State shall cease from further management of the estate for all beneficiaries.
The order states: “Upon the Terms of Settlement dated June 18, 2014, and filed at High Court Registry, Lagos, on June 18, 2014, signed by parties in this suit and counsel for the parties.
“It is ordered that judgment be and judgment is entered as follows: That all previous dealings in properties forming part of Lawrenco Cardoso Estate without first obtaining Letters of Administration are set aside.
“That the Administrator-General of Lagos State shall take possession of all properties comprised in or forming part of the Estate of Pa Lawrenco Cardoso (hereafter referred to as “the deceased estate”) and hand over same to the four persons listed hereunder upon their applying for Letters of Administration in respect of the deceased estate from the seventh defendant herein…’’
“That the following persons that is to say’ Mrs. Felicia Fetuga, Mrs. Stella Shonowo, Mr Emmanuel Shyllon and Mr Lawrenco Reis are appointed and recognised as Administrators of the deceased’s estate provided they shall apply to the seventh defendant for the processing and issuance of Letters of Administration consequent upon which the Administrator-General of Lagos State shall cease from further management to the estate among all beneficiaries…’’
“That the appointed Administrators upon taking over the management and control of estate property; shall do so as Trustees for themselves and on behalf of all the beneficiaries and/ or descendants of Late Pa Lawrenco Anthonio Cardoso and shall see to the proper disbursement and sharing of accruals to the estate amongst all beneficiaries.
“That annual accounts shall be rendered by the Administrators to every beneficiary or as may be requested by any constituted authority.
“That the first charge on estate income shall be the payment of estate duty as may be assessed and settlement of professional fee and other obligations due to the solicitors herein.
“That all pending proceedings in relation to any estate property shall forthwith be taken over and prosecuted to a conclusion by the Administrators appointed herein.
“That paragraphs 1 to 7 herein shall be the Judgement of this Honourable Court in this case even as parties agree to bear their respective cost.”