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Residents of Lagos Mainland submit a petition to the House of Assembly regarding illicit demolition and arson in the Ifesowapo communities

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Concerned individuals residing in Lagos Mainland and affected by the ongoing demolition and arson incidents in Ifesowapo, Ifeoluwa, and Toluwani Community Development Association (CDA) have appealed to the Lagos State House of Assembly for immediate intervention and accountability for the perpetrators.

In their petition addressed to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, titled "Request for the Appearance of Hon. Rashidat Omolola Essien and Oba Bashir Abisoye Odesanya Regarding Ongoing Demolition and Arson Incidents in Ifesowapo, Ifeoluwa, and Toluwani CDA," the concerned residents expressed distress over the communities enduring a series of illegal demolitions and arson attacks. These unlawful actions have led to significant property damage and the displacement of innocent residents.

Signed by Babatunde David, Agbodemu Ishola Musbau, Shola Dele, Owoeye Sule, Babatunde Bola, Sunday Joel, Moruf Bello and Chief Ogede Niger Hotel on behalf of the concerned residents and victims of the vicious demolition, the petitioners claimed that the demolitions were done in total disregard for law and order, adding that it has caused immense distress to the affected residents.

The petition partly read: "It has come to our attention that the Ifesowapo Community, located within the jurisdiction of the Lagos Mainland Local Government Area, has been subjected to a series of unlawful demolitions and acts of arson, resulting in the destruction of property and displacement of innocent residents.

"These actions have been carried out with apparent impunity, and there has been a shocking lack of accountability on the part of the authorities responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the community.

"We believe that both the Executive Chairman of the Lagos Mainland Local Government, Honorable Rashidat Omolola Essien, and the Oloto of Otto, Oba Bashir Abisoye Odesanya, bear a significant responsibility in this matter, whether through acts of commission or omission.

"As elected representatives and custodians of the public trust, they owe it to the people of Lagos State to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of their status or affiliation."

It added, "therefore, we respectfully petition the Lagos State House of Assembly to exercise its oversight function and summon Honorable Rashidat Omolola Essien and Oba Bashir Abisoye Odesanya to appear before the Assembly to explain their position and actions regarding the ongoing demolition and arson case in Ifesowapo, Toluwani and Ifeoluwa CDA."

The Petitioners specifically, requested that the Council Chairman and the Oba should provide answers on- "What measures, if any, were taken by the Lagos Mainland Local Government to prevent the unlawful demolitions and acts of arson in Ifesowapo , Ifeoluwa, and Toluwani CDA

"What role, if any, did the Oloto of Otto play in instigating or facilitating the aforementioned actions?

"What steps will be taken to hold accountable those responsible for the destruction of property and displacement of residents in Ifesowapo, Ifeoluwa, and Toluwani CDA?

"What plans are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected residents and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future?

"We believe that a transparent and accountable investigation into this matter is essential to uphold the principles of justice and democracy in our society. The people of Lagos State deserve answers, and it is imperative that those in positions of authority are held to account for their actions.

"We trust that the Lagos State House of Assembly will give due consideration to this petition and take appropriate action to address the concerns raised herein."

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Lagos schedules meeting with owners of distressed buildings.

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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.

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FG threatens contractors over Enugu-Onitsha road delay

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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.

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Ekiti state government mediates land dispute between traditional ruler and family in Epe-Ekiti

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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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