By Ghazali Ibrahim
A recent judgement of Lagos High Court has ordered a businesswoman and former NTA staff member, Funke Otti, to return a prime property in Ikoyi to her ex-husband, Chief Isaac Morakinyo Jolapamo, and refund over N473 million after she allegedly defrauded her ex-husband of the proceeds she got from the sale of properties belonging to her ex-husband.
The two ex-couple initially met at a prayer ministry where chief Isaac Morakinyo Jolapamo sought for a spiritual Deliverance at the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries. Soon after the exchange, the two became lovebirds with both formally recognized as couple through a registry marriage on February 23, 2017 at a Federal ministry in Ikoyi.
During the marriage, Jolapamo reportedly entrusted Otti with overseeing the sale of the vessels he owned, with instructions to use the proceeds to acquire a matrimonial home in Parkview Estate. While the property was eventually purchased, it was registered solely in Otti’s name without his consent.
The charade was blown up after Jolapamo alleged that Otti have him deported from overseas and later informed him via Whatsapp that she was no longer interested in the marriage and asked him to vacate the house.
Justice Olufolake Olufolashade Adewunmi-Oshin ruled that the property located at 23A & B Olusegun Aina Street, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, rightfully belongs to Jolapamo, declaring that it was unlawfully acquired and registered solely in Otti’s name without his consent.
The court directed Otti to relinquish the property and refund N410,347,000, representing the outstanding balance from the sale of two vessels, M.T. MOR Prosperity and M.T. Power. She was also ordered to remit N63,000,000, being rental income collected from tenants between 2018 and 2021. Additionally, the court awarded N5 million in general damages against her.
The court’s ruling brings legal resolution to the ownership dispute and financial claims arising from the breakdown of the marriage.
