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Lagos Police Probe Land Grabbing Allegations
The Zone 2 Command headquarters in Onikan, Lagos, has initiated an investigation into allegations of land grabbing involving over 2,000 acres in Okegun-Odofin, Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area.
A notorious land grabber, who also serves as the village head, is suspected of orchestrating the scheme with other accomplices who remain at large.
On April 30, 2024, the police summoned the alleged land grabbers for questioning to clarify the circumstances surrounding property destruction and the illegal construction of a perimeter fence on the disputed land.
The village head is accused of using a local vigilance group and some police officers to protect the land grab while a new perimeter fence was being built. He has denied involvement and accused officials from the New Town Development Authority (NTDA) of masterminding the takeover.
His claim, according to feelers, was that he was only contracted to supply over 50, 000 blocks, bags of cement, sand, labour and other construction materials to the site. The attempt to take over the entire mass of land, with the attendant destruction of over 800 houses that would follow and other undeveloped property in the area, has heightened tension with property owners vowing a violent showdown with the usurpers.
It was gathered that the violent showdown may lead to loss of property and lives. The letters of invitation to the key actors in the crisis were issued from the office of Assistant Inspector General of Police, and signed by DCP Ajao S. Adewale, a deputy commissioner of police (ZCID), on behalf of the AIG Zone 2 Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos.
A stakeholder in the community said the question begging for an answer was ‘how could the village tell house owners to take photographs in front of their houses and submit to him, to determine compensation when he’s not a registered valuer or representing the Lagos State government’s interest?’ The stakeholder said the village was also a supplier on the site.
A source close said: “It is now an open secret that there is more to it than meets the eyes; a developer is already in top discussions with the village head and his partner and others, to buy this mass of land from them with the connivance of some already compromised top government officials in Alausa, to help facilitate government allocation on the said property.
“It’s on record that a similar occurrence happened the same time last year, almost in the same area where one Abiodun Raji, a generator mechanic, was killed, his house destroyed with five other recorded deaths, paving way for Tiwa Homes and Garden, an Estate developer, to take over.
“Presently, the property is under sale by the developer. The land grabbers have made enormous wealth in the act while using the name and influence of a retired judge and a first class monarch in the Epe local government axis, to hoodwink unsuspecting victims on property sale, despite having several court cases on land matters hanging on his neck in various courts.”
Property and landowners in the affected area have appealed to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwoolu to promptly investigate the alleged land-grabbing scandal. They urge the governor to:
• Hold accountable and punish government officials implicated in the illegal land allocation.
• Deter future incidents of land grabbing by setting an example.
• Prosecute all individuals involved in the alleged land grab.
“It is also a thing of interest that the police zonal command would do a discreet, thorough investigation and carry out, if need be, necessary visits to government parastatals, to ascertain and verify all documents tendered to prove or disprove claims, in the interest of fairness, equity and justice, so that peace would return to the area in earnest. The hope is that the matter will not be swept under the carpet, since the next police interrogation comes up on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, involving all concerned parties to the crisis.”
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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