Monrovia-The Supreme Court of Liberia has confirmed a trial court’s decision favoring the Karboyah Estate against Edwin Urey and several co-defendants in a contentious land dispute that emphasized the importance of land ownership and title validity.
By Willie N. Tokpah, [email protected]
The court’s ruling, delivered recently, affirms the estate’s claim to 223.3 acres, located in Careysburg City, Montserrado County, which was purchased from the Republic of Liberia in 1865.
The case originated from the Sixth Judicial Civil Law Court, where the administrators of the Karboryah Estate alleged that Urey and others were illegally occupying their property.
The estate’s complaint detailed how Urey had sold portions of the land to various individuals, undermining the estate’s rights and depriving it of rightful income and benefits.
Key to the Supreme Court’s decision was an investigative survey report, which revealed that the Karboyah Estate’s deed predates that of the defendants and that both parties’ land claims overlap, but Urey claim overlaps significantly, while the Karboyah Estate had a minor error to it’s claimed and when corrected would reflect reality to its claim.
The survey indicated that while the Karboyah Estate’s land measured approximately 223.3 acres, the co-defendants, Urey, was claiming an inflated 1,337.4 acres, far exceeding what their deeds specified.
The trial judge’s ruling mandated a re-demarcation of the property, prioritizing the Karboyah Estate’s claim to accurately reflect the land as indicated in the respective deeds.
The court emphasized that the investigative survey served as a vital tool in clarifying the technical aspects of the land dispute, paving the way for a fair resolution.
Despite the evidence against them, Urey and his co-defendants challenged the trial court’s ruling, arguing that the complainants lacked the legal capacity to sue.
However, the Supreme Court found no merit in their claims, reinforcing the validity of the Karboyah Estate’s title.
In an effective affirmation of property rights, the Supreme Court stated, “The ruling of the Trial Court ordering a demarcative survey and putting both parties in possession of their respective proper demarcation is hereby confirmed and affirmed.”
This decision has not only protected the interests of the Karboyah Estate but also set a precedent for similar disputes in Liberia, highlighting the necessity for clear land titles and the enforcement of property rights.
As the court ordered the lower court to resume jurisdiction and execute the judgment, the ruling serves as a stark reminder to landholders about the importance of maintaining accurate and legally sound deeds.
The Karboyah Estate’s victory is a crucial step toward ensuring that legitimate landowners are protected from unlawful occupation and sale of their properties.
With tensions rising and the potential for further disputes, stakeholders in Liberia’s land sector are closely watching how this ruling will influence future land claims and the administration of justice in property matters.