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Disgruntled Land Buyers Protest Lagos Government’s Delay in Oko-Orisan Land Scheme Allocation
Despite purchasing plots at the Oko-Orisan land scheme over a decade ago, buyers are still waiting for physical allocation. The scheme, a waterfront residential development by the Lagos State government, had drawn many investors, including those from the Diaspora.
The buyers were attracted by the prospect of owning property in Lagos and the perceived security of their investment. However, 12 years later, many have yet to take possession of their purchased plots. They fear that without intervention from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, they risk losing their land to more influential individuals.
Believing in the strength of numbers, some of those who invested in the scheme, including Hakeem Ibrahim, formed a group known as Oko-Orisan Waterfront Scheme Subscribers Group through which they have been engaging with the government.
“In 2012, I purchased a piece of land in the Oko-Orisan Waterfront Scheme in the Lekki area of the state. Some other subscribers bought into the scheme as far back as 2010. The fee I paid for the plot was N3.8 million only, though I was receipted for only N3.3 million,” Ibrahim recalled in a statement obtained by BusinessDay at the weekend.
Ibrahim recalled further that all the buyers were issued original copies of allocation letters and official receipts from the Lands Bureau in the office of the Governor, citing his own personal allocation letter which was dated May 12, 2012.
“We have severally visited the appropriate offices in Alausa to inquire about progress, and the relevant officials of the state government have always confirmed and assured that our documentations were genuine and valid,” he said, lamenting that more than 12 years later, the situation has not changed.
But a major twist has filtered into the scheme as, according to Ibrahim, the official reason the government officials have given for the prolonged delay is that, since around 2013, the scheme had been suspended to allow for redesigning.
He disclosed that they have expressed disaffection in writing (which was sighted by BusinessDay) to the Office of the Special Adviser on Housing, who minuted the letter to the Bureau’s Legal Department.
The group, he added, has also visited the Land Bureau office, noting that the hope of the group was diminished when, in response to their inquiry about the plots of land, the Lands Bureau informed them that the Orisan scheme was being redesigned and remodeled.
He cited the state government’s letter (which BusinessDay also sighted) with reference number LU/OWF/RES/18/89, dated April 2, 2024, addressed to: Oko Orisan Waterfront Scheme Subscribers Group, Attention Mrs. Akinloye, stating, Re: Demand for the Physical Allocation of Our Land Purchased from the Lagos State Government in the Oko Orisan Waterfront Scheme”.
“In the letter signed by A. Odukogbe, for the Executive Secretary, Land Use and Allocation Committee, Governor’s Office, Lands Bureau, the state government stated, ‘we acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated March 20, 2024, in respect of the above subject matter and inform you that the state government has embarked on redesigning and remodelling of Orisan Waterfront Scheme.
Due to the ongoing exercise, allottees are unable to take physical possession of their plots or process their Certificates of Occupancy until its completion. The group emphasizes that all allottees will be notified once the exercise is concluded.
In response to the government’s letter of May 8, 2024, the group expressed disappointment over the lack of specific timelines and indicated that they had not received any further communication from the government as of the time of reporting.
The Lagos State Government has said it would soon arrange a meeting with developers/owners of distressed buildings on how best to address the redesign and remodelling of such structures by November.
This was disclosed recently by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, at a function in Alahusa, Lagos.
Olumide said the prevalence of distressed buildings in different parts of the state was worrisome and needed the urgent attention of all stakeholders.
He said, “The Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development as mandated by the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2019, as amended, was willing to extend its responsibility for approving the remodelling of existing buildings to provide technical assistance to developers and owners of distressed buildings, especially on the design and remodelling of such buildings.
The Federal Government has instructed the contractors responsible for the 107km Enugu-Onitsha road dualization to expedite the project.
This directive was given by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, during a meeting with MTN, the Enugu State Government, and the contractors, RCC Ltd and Nigercat Ltd, on Friday.
According to a statement released on Friday, the minister said he is disappointed over the slow pace of work on the project, he said, “Let me express my disappointment over the slow pace of work on that project. It is one of the worst roads in this country.
“Everywhere we have diversion; diverting from the one that RCC and Nigercat had completed, the contractors are not kind enough to even put stone based on the diversion points.”
He added, “So, by the reason of the launching of our Operation Free our Roads, it is now a violation of the policy on the side of the controllers and directors of the Federal Ministry of Works where we have vehicles falling on any project that is ongoing or where there are potholes on our roads.”
He also blamed the sufferings of road users on the lack of commitment and insensitivity of the contractors.
“The public must know that the President’s intention is not for them to suffer while trying to fix the roads, and it is their right to insist that contractors should fix the roads that they are engaged on,” he said.
The Minister commended the Enugu state government for their resolve to fund the construction of a 20 KM section of the road and expressed hope that MTN would execute the second phase of the project.
He noted, “Why the Enugu State government is intervening is because of the slow pace of work by the contractors and because of funding issues. The essence of tax credit is for funds to be made available. And so, I don’t see RCC going to keep their promise to finish this project in 6 months.
“My advice to MTN is to look for another contractor within that axis if they want to get the job done. Division of labour is even the best. While they are doing the road, and if Nigercat is doing a good job, you can give them greater scope to do if you want to finish that job.”
He warned contractors that the Federal Government would not accept phased handovers of projects and has phased out Variation of Price in contract administration.
The Ekiti State government has intervened to resolve a longstanding land dispute between the Elepe of Epe-Ekiti, Oba Ayodele Adesoye, and the Atolagbe family. The government cautioned against the misuse of modernization as an excuse to disregard traditional customs.
In line with the community’s traditions, the government has ordered the release of resources, including palm trees at Oko Oba Farmland, to Oba Adesoye for his administration. This decision ensures the continued adherence to age-old practices.
Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, announced the resolution in Ado-Ekiti. The decision was made after considering the Elepe’s claim to Oko Oba Farmland based on historical evidence.
Mrs. Afuye acknowledged the Elepe’s right to be the custodian of Oko Oba Farmland, citing longstanding traditions that support his claim. The decision reflects the importance of respecting historical practices and ensuring their preservation.
The deputy governor, however, told the monarch in clear terms that other princes and princesses from all the three ruling houses should be allowed to farm on the land without payment of royalty.
Mrs Afuye appealed to the community to comply with the government’s position to restore unity, peace and orderliness to the beleaguered community.
Oba Adesoye expressed gratitude for the government’s decision and pledged to foster peace and unity between the throne and the community, aiming to accelerate Epe’s development.
Representing the Atolagbe family, Dr. Yemi Agbeleoba acknowledged their willingness to cede Oko Oba Farmland to the monarch. However, he emphasized the need for all three ruling houses to participate for a lasting and traditional solution.
Agbeleoba expressed appreciation for the government’s directive, believing it will contribute to resolving the long-standing conflict.
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