By DADA AYOKHAI
A legal dispute has emerged between a widow operating a catering business and the National Association of Seadogs, NAS over allegations that she was prevented from using a kitchen facility at the Association’s Benbow Anchor Point, Airport Road, Benin City despite having paid the agreed annual rent and taken possession of the premises.
The matter came to light following the filing of Suit No. B/833/2026 at the Edo State High Court, Benin City.
According to court documents, the dispute centres on the circumstances surrounding the claimant’s occupation of the kitchen, a subsequent change in the Association’s leadership, and the decision to terminate her operation.
The claimant, Mrs. Elohor Lucy Obiah proprietor of Elton Catering Services is described in the court processes as a widow who relies substantially on her catering business to provide for herself, her children, her dependants and other financial obligations.
How The Dispute Started
According to the court filing, Mrs. Obiah became aware in July 2026 of an opportunity to operate a kitchen at the NAS Benbow Anchor Point, Airport Road Branch, Benin City.
She reportedly expressed interest, submitted her application and was interviewed. The documents state that she was selected by the executive then in charge of the Anchor Point.
Following her selection, Mrs. Obiah allegedly paid ₦300,000, representing the agreed annual rent, into the Association’s designated bank account on 30 July 2026.
The tenancy, according to the suit, was for a period of one year, commencing 1 August 2026 and ending 31 July 2027.
Alleged Refund Without Consent
The claimant maintains that she did not voluntarily surrender or terminate the tenancy.
However, according to court processes, on 4 September 2026, the Association transferred ₦300,000 into her bank account as what it described as a refund of the rent.
Mrs. Obiah contends that the refund was made without her request or consent and does not amount to a lawful surrender or termination of her tenancy.
Alleged Financial And Other Losses
As a result of the development, the claimant alleges that she suffered considerable financial and personal losses.
In the suit, she listed the value of food items and other materials that allegedly became unusable, as well as other expenses, which she put at approximately ₦800,000.
She further claims loss of expected income from the business and disruption to her means of livelihood.
Beyond the financial losses, Mrs. Obiah alleges that the manner of her removal subjected her to embarrassment, humiliation, inconvenience and emotional distress.
Reliefs Sought
Through the suit, Mrs. Obiah is asking the Edo State High Court to determine the legality of the actions allegedly taken against her.
She is seeking declarations that the suspension of her business, the purported termination of her tenancy and the manner in which she was allegedly removed from the premises were unlawful.
She is also asking the court to award general, aggravated and exemplary damages against the defendants, in addition to the costs incurred in pursuing the action.
Association’s Position
As of the time of filing this report, the National Association of Seadogs had not filed its response to the suit.
Next Step In Court
The case is pending before Hon. Justice of the Edo State High Court, Benin City,
