News
Hoodlums invade community in Alimosho LGA over land tussle
The situation in the Yakubu Jaiyeola Estate, Igbo Ilogbo area of Ayobo, Alimosho Local Government area of Lagos State, is tense as armed individuals invaded the community, claiming to have secured a court judgment.
Residents in the area are understandably concerned and have called on the Lagos State Government, the state Attorney General, and the state Commissioner of Police to intervene and provide assistance.
It’s important for local authorities to promptly address such incidents to ensure the safety and security of the community. Police and legal authorities should investigate the claims made by armed individuals and take appropriate actions to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights and safety of the residents. Community engagement and dialogue may also play a role in resolving any disputes or grievances that have arisen.
The situation in the Yakubu Jaiyeola Estate, Igbo Ilogbo area of Ayobo, Alimosho Local Government area of Lagos State, appears to be further complicated by conflicting claims regarding land ownership. Residents assert that the armed individuals’ claim contradicts a prior Appeal Court judgment from 1996, which ruled on the land’s ownership.
One community leader, Alhaja Junaid, has described the invasion by armed individuals as both “scary and unlawful.” The armed group, led by an individual identified as Kaka Morufu, reportedly began sealing houses in the community by force on September 15, 2023.
According to the estate’s administrator, Alhaja Safurat Olufunke Yakubu, the armed individuals claimed to be acting on the orders of a royal figure in the Ejigbo area of the state.
This situation underscores the need for a thorough and legal resolution of the land ownership dispute. It is crucial for law enforcement, legal authorities, and community representatives to work together to verify claims, uphold court judgments, and maintain peace and security in the affected community.
She stated, ” The land is properly documented with the Lagos State Government. It is covered by Registered Deed of Conveyance, No 14 Volume 854, Lagos Land Registry. It al also covered by Lagos State Gazzette 2009 ”
Alhaja Yakubu added, ” We also have Ikeja High Court and Court of Appeal judgments which covered known and unknown persons. These judgments have not been upturned by any superior court till today.
The claims made by the administrator of the Yakubu Jaiyeola Estate, backed by legal documents and court judgments, highlight the longstanding legal ownership and possession of the land by the community since 1996. Their case is supported not only by court rulings but also by a Lagos State Government Gazette from 1999, which further affirms their rights to the land.
The administrator’s appeal to the Lagos State government to intervene and restrain the armed individuals and their associates is an urgent call for protection and justice.
It is deeply concerning that over a thousand houses may be affected by the claims made by these individuals, who reportedly invaded the community with motorcycles and weapons, causing residents, including children, to flee in fear.
Efforts to seek the response of the Lagos State Police Command’s image maker, Benjamin Hundeyin, have so far been unsuccessful.
This situation underscores the need for a peaceful and lawful resolution to this land dispute, involving law enforcement, legal authorities, and the relevant government agencies to ensure the safety, security, and rights of the community’s residents.
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 agoHOW PASTOR ASHIMOLOWO BECAME BIG IN REAL ESTATE
-
News2 years agoA TENANT IS NOT ENTITLED TO REFUND OF RENT WHERE HE UNILATERALLY SURRENDERS TENANCY
-
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
-
News1 year 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