Monrovia – The Supreme Court of Liberia has upheld a lower court’s ruling in favor of Stephanie Audrey Kpoto, bringing an end to a protracted legal battle over a valuable parcel of land involving the Intestate Estate of the late Joseph V. Gaye, Sr.
By Patience Jones
In a judgment delivered during the March Term A.D. 2026, the nation’s highest court affirmed that Ms. Kpoto had successfully established her case by a preponderance of evidence, proving that all administrators of the Gaye Estate participated in and benefited from the land sale transaction in dispute.
The case, which originated as a Petition for Specific Performance, was filed by Ms. Kpoto against the administrators of the Intestate Estate of Joseph V. Gaye, Sr.
The Supreme Court ruled that the estate could not repudiate the agreement after receiving benefits from the transaction.
According to the Court, while Liberian law generally requires administrators of an intestate estate to obtain a Probate Court Decree of Sale before transferring estate property, the equitable principle of estoppel applies when administrators voluntarily enter into a sale agreement, benefit from it, and later attempt to deny its validity.
“The equitable principle of estoppel will bar them from repudiating that agreement on the ground that they had not obtained a court’s decree of sale at the time of executing the agreement,” the Court ruled.
The judgment was handed down by a panel comprising Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay Sr., Associate Justices Boakai N. Kanneh, Jamesetta H. Wolokolie, Yussif D. Kaba and Ceaineh D. Clinton Johnson.
Sources close to the matter indicate that portions of the disputed property are valued in the millions of United States dollars and are earmarked for major development initiatives intended to contribute to Liberia’s infrastructure growth.
Following the ruling, Ms. Kpoto expressed gratitude for the outcome, describing the judgment as a victory for justice and lawful business investment.
She stated that she and her development partners remain committed to implementing projects that will improve communities, create opportunities, and support national development.
Legal observers say the Supreme Court’s decision reinforces the principle that parties who knowingly participate in contractual transactions and receive benefits from them cannot later invalidate those agreements to the detriment of the other party.
The ruling is being viewed as a significant precedent in matters involving estate administration, property rights and contractual obligations under Liberian law.
