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Real estate agents correct Yemi Alade’s misconceptions about the Lagos demolition
Lagos real estate agents criticize Yemi Alade’s uninformed criticism of ongoing demolitions. While acknowledging the validity of Alade’s concerns, they attribute her anger to her lack of real estate expertise. The agents stress the paramount importance of obtaining valid title documents and building approvals prior to construction.
On X.com, a user who uses the handle @IamEriOluwa said, “Dear Yemi Alade, your concerns are valid, and so is your anger based on the version of the story you have held as the truth. But please, walk with me. In real estate, when you buy a property, you need the title documents. Title documents are either excision, C of O, or Governor’s consent, along with registered or provisional survey receipts, deeds of assignments or agreements, court judgment, or gazette that prove the seller has the right to sell what they are selling and that what they are selling is in good standing.
“Here’s the thing: if the land sold to you is a canal or a place the government has earmarked for a particular development, legally, you don’t have a land because no one can sell what they don’t have.
“In real estate transactions, what you are buying is the right to occupy. So you can’t buy the right from a person who doesn’t have it. It’s explained with a Latin maxim that says ‘Nemo dat quod non habit,’ which means ‘no one can give what they do not have.’”
He stated that having land documents is invalid without the government’s approval.
“Although some have documents, they don’t have approvals to build. While some have approvals, they are built outside the scope of what’s permitted in their approvals. When any of these illegalities happen, governments all over the world pull down those structures. Also, if you have the title documents and approval, but the government needs to make roads, they will take the land and compensate you appropriately. You can’t stop them because you only have the right to occupy, not to own the land outright.
“The government owns the land and will use it for the collective good. Now, if you feel the government is lying about the benefits of such a project, and or is destroying property maliciously; you can contest it in court,” he said.
He added that the demolition is legal, urging the public to follow due processes when constructing buildings.
“So, what Lagos State Government is doing is the norm. This is painful, I get it, especially now that a hundred bags of cement cost N8,000. However, let’s process this pain differently into a lesson and make it gainful for all by learning how not to become the next victim,” he added.
According to real estate agent Durubond, every owner of a demolished building received adequate notice. He emphasized that demolitions are only carried out when structures violate land or building regulations.
“I totally understand your, concerns and grievances. However, I would like to let you know that there is nobody whose property was demolished who didn’t contravene certain land or building regulations. What many people do not realise is that Lagos State is one of the most sophisticated states in terms of land regulations in Nigeria.
“Every square metre of this state has been mapped out for certain use and purpose with regulations guiding construction across all boards.
“On whether the government notified those who contravened while they were constructing their houses before demolition, he stated that there is nobody who contravened during construction that didn’t get a notice.
“In fact, they still send notifications to those of us who got all our approval so that we can do the needful. so, those people ignore it or refuse to acknowledge it or buy the land from someone who di did not know or they buy their land from developers. this is why the state government is at fault because there is a huge communication gap. Many people are not even aware of what they are supposed to do.”
In a widely shared video, singer Yemi Alade condemned the demolition of Mende Estate Villa on Sunday.
She asserted that residents received a mere two-hour notice to vacate their homes before the demolition, which she said would deter real estate investment in the state.
However, her accusations sparked outrage online, with netizens accusing her of attention-seeking and urging her to verify her information before criticizing the government.
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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