News
Lagos Assembly Plans Public Hearing on Land Grabbing
On Tuesday, the Lagos State House of Assembly affirmed its commitment to combatting the problem of land grabbing.
They have decided to convene a public hearing as a crucial step toward finding solutions promptly. This meeting will bring together key stakeholders such as the state government, law enforcement, the judiciary, traditional leaders, among others.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, emphasized that land grabbing has evolved into a critical concern that demands urgent attention.
He said: “It is chaotic. Many people have been killed, some maimed and some locked up without trial just because of the existence of some people who have turned themselves into land grabbers.”
Obasa frowned at cases where land speculators write petitions. With the connivance of security officials, the real owners of the properties are arrested, taken to Abuja and forced to sign undertakings that would bar them from the same land they bought from their toiling.
The Speaker said these land grabbers often attack new and developing areas in Ikorodu, Epe, Ojo and others. “I wonder how somebody would just invade people’s properties and still exude such boldness and confidence, kill the owner or bring the police.
“What do you think of the fate of a resident who struggles to own a property, struggle to start building on it only for somebody just suddenly to take over the land making life difficult for him?”
He also raised concerns over delays and multiple judgements from courts while urging the state government to consider commensurate compensations for landowners whose properties are taken over in overriding public interest.
“Land is a source of wealth for its owners and when the government acquires it, there must be a process in place for adequate compensation. If not, how do you expect such people to get out of poverty?”
During his presentation as part of the ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance’, Kazeem Olayinka from Mushin Constituency 2 urged the House to arrange a gathering involving stakeholders to tackle the issue.
Adding to the discussion, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu from Eti-Osa 2 underscored the significance of prioritizing law enforcement against land grabbing. He advocated for the creation of a specialized agency to address such cases effectively.
Several other legislators who shared their views highlighted the necessity of stricter enforcement of existing laws concerning land grabbing.
News
Lagos schedules meeting with owners of distressed buildings.
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.
News
FG threatens contractors over Enugu-Onitsha road delay
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.
News
Ekiti state government mediates land dispute between traditional ruler and family in Epe-Ekiti
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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