News
Group Raises Concerns About FHA’s Property Demolition in Lagos
The Ndigbo Buru’Otu Association, an Igbo socio-political group, has expressed distress regarding the unselective demolition of homes conducted by Federal Housing Authority officials in the Ijeododo community, located in the Ijegun area of Lagos State.
The members conveyed their astonishment at the demolition of their properties carried out by the authorities last Thursday, labeling the operation as “heart-wrenching.”
Addressing pressmen over the demolition, the Chairman of the Association Eze Chika Nwokedi said: “Our people are angry because they bought lands worth over a billion naira, erected structures and built houses with their hard earned money only to wake one morning and watch it being demolished.”
He explained that over 500 members contributed to purchase the vast acres of land since 2017.
According to him, we followed due process in acquiring the land from the Baale. “There was proper documentation and family receipts were issued to everyone who bought from the right source verified by FHA. No prior notice was given by FHA nor did the Baale who sold the land to us informed us about any notice of demolition.”
Lamenting Nwokedi asked, “Is it now a crime to buy land from the king of a community?
I am pained because Igbos within and outside my jurisdiction of leadership approached me to verify a genuine land as their leader and I led them through the appropriate source ‘the Baale’ who in turn issued family receipt only to find out later that the land is not genuinely owned by the ruling family but FHA.”
“When I asked those carrying out the demolition, they confirmed a notice has been passed since 2022 and they must carry on with the assignment. Right now, FHA is working on the land and has claimed it.
“We need to hear from the government, we want a refund of money spent on structures destroyed as well as get our lands back. The Baale needs to tell us what he truly knows as regards the demolition and create a working solution as some members are already contemplating suicide.”
A member of the association who owns three plots of land in the affected area, Martins Chikeze lamented that: “At the point of purchase, Baale affirmed the land belongs to his family, now FHA is claiming the same land. I appeal to the Federal Government to give the lands back to us as plans are underway to build a small home for my family to avoid threats of quit notice or displacement.”
Reacting to the complaints of members of the Association in his palace, the Baale of Ijeododo, High Chief Abu-Jelili Ayinde Ododo and his executives denied involvement and knowledge of the demolition.
He said: “One Mr Lawal who is a FHA Surveyor accompanied by some people visited my palace in 2024 claiming their land is extended to some areas in Ijeododo. After several meetings, FHA representatives said houses marked won’t be demolished but those unmarked are on the roads or blocking a canal.
“Based on this explanation, I asked for a solution to those unmarked and they requested receipt from the buyers as a way to avoid demolition.”
The Baale conveyed his disappointment at the abrupt demolition despite offering a solution to prevent it, stating his genuine concern about the recent turn of events. He reassured the affected individuals to remain composed, emphasizing his command over the situation and efforts to gather crucial information.
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.
-
News2 years agoA TENANT IS NOT ENTITLED TO REFUND OF RENT WHERE HE UNILATERALLY SURRENDERS TENANCY
-
News2 years agoHOW PASTOR ASHIMOLOWO BECAME BIG IN REAL ESTATE
-
General2 years agoSeven Most Popular and Influential Young Real Estate CEOs in Nigeria
-
News1 year agoUnderstanding the importance of a certificate of occupancy in land ownership
-
News1 year agoBig C Properties Boss, Aforjama to be Honored as Anambra Real Estate Person of the Year
-
News2 years agoLAND TITLE VERIFICATION EXERCISE IN OGOMBO
-
News2 years agoRevolutionPlus Property Unveils New Executive Management Team
-
News2 years agoLagos socialite accused of unlawful demolition of N800 million property