A couple in Anambra State identified as Benjamin and Felicia Ubakaeze, have dragged their landlord before an Idemili High Court sitting at Oba, in the Idemili South Local Government Area, for giving them quit notice.
The couple, since 2014, have been operating a provision store and eatery on the premises owned by the Iyi-Enu Mission Hospital, a facility under the control of the Diocese on the Niger, Anglican Communion.
They were served a quit notice by their landlord, who claimed he needed the place for an expansion project for the hospital.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
The tenant “Benjamin”, said the notice was a breach of his tenancy agreement, adding that he spent millions of naira to transform the structures.
He said, “This place used to be a dumpsite with rubbles and debris until we transformed it, which cost us huge sums of money. There is a 30-year lease agreement with the Iyi-Enu Mission Hospital management, which started running in 2014 and therefore, my tenancy at the facility expires in 2044.”
The landlord dragged the defendants to Idemili High Court sitting in Oba, claiming he heard that Benjamin and his wife vowed they will not vacate the premises until they are paid N36m, which is the amount they spent in developing the facility.
Benjamin’s lawyer, Chief Obiwenite Obimuanya, during the hearing on Friday, February 11, tendered some documents to back up his claims.
Justice Emeka Nri Ezedi, the Presiding Judge, adjourned the case till February 23, 24 and March 8, 2022 for continuation of hearing.
