News
Lagos communities protest against land grabbers, conspiracy
Residents of Abomiti, Yegunda, and Eyin-Osa communities in Epe Local Council of Lagos State have staged a protest against the activities of land grabbers operating in their areas.
This demonstration follows recent allegations against Saheed Mosadoluwa Abdullah, also known as Ibile, the Managing Director of Harmony Gardens and Estate Development Ltd, who was accused of engaging in land grabbing.
Community members, however, defended Ibile against these land-grabbing accusations, asserting that they have a pre-existing agreement with him concerning the Free Trade Zone Parcel B Government Resettlement Families and Communities Beneficiaries land.
They claimed that certain officials from the Lagos State Environment and Special Offences Enforcement Unit, commonly known as the Task Force, are allegedly collaborating with land grabbers to the detriment of their community.
A video had recently circulated, featuring Ibile alongside some police officers, apparently involved in an altercation with a Lagos-based businessman, Samsudeen Oluwo. Ibile later claimed this confrontation was an act of self-defense.
Addressing the issue at Ita-Opo, Ope, Epe, Adijat Apena, the Secretary of the Free Trade Zone Parcel B Government Resettlement Families and Communities Beneficiaries, stated that Ibile had legitimately acquired a portion of the resettlement land. She emphasized that any contrary claims are misleading and deceptive.
Apena stated, “We only sold our land to Ibile. We, therefore, distance ourselves from these individuals and their fraudulent activities, which involve selling our land to innocent buyers under false pretences.”
She further called upon CSP Sola Jejeloye, the head of the task force on land grabbing, to carefully consider the implications of associating with individuals allegedly involved in land grabbing. She stressed that the land is designated as government resettlement land, and any unlawful attempts to seize it run counter to the interests of the Lagos State government, which established the task force.
Despite challenges and attempts to disrupt their peace and unlawfully seize their land, the community members reiterated their commitment to protecting their rights and interests as genuine resettlement beneficiaries and landowners.
They called upon relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate the issues raised and take appropriate actions to ensure justice is served. They emphasized the collective responsibility to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of legitimate landowners and investors.
Additionally, they appealed to Epe Local Council to intervene on their behalf by petitioning relevant agencies regarding this matter.
The Baale of Onigbagbo Kingdom, Chief Obafemi Obajimi, expressed his concerns regarding the ongoing situation, stating, “As far as Lagos State is concerned, I have never seen this kind of arrangement. There is a problem in Epe, and the government should intervene before it escalates.”
Chief Obajimi, who also serves as the chairman of the Association of Baale in Epe, added, “We have been dealing with this matter for about 14 years before the government issued us our Certificate of Occupancy (C of O). Therefore, we urge the government to investigate all parties involved and bring everyone to order.”
In response to these allegations, Abdulraheem Gbadeyan, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Task Force, denied any wrongdoing on their part. He clarified, “We only respond to petitions submitted to the State Special Task Force on Land Grabbers under the Ministry of Justice. Our role is to enforce the law and provide security support for government agencies; we are not involved in land matters.”
The situation appears to be complex, with conflicting claims and allegations. It is imperative that the government thoroughly investigates the matter and takes appropriate actions to ensure justice and resolution for all parties involved.
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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