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Stop land grabbers’ activities, group urges Sanwo-Olu
Perturbed by the rate at which land grabbers in Lagos truncate people’s dream of becoming homeowners, Human rights activists, under the aegis of the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) have enjoined Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and security agents to prioritise curbing the menace of land grabbing across Lagos State.
The group, highlighted the threats to public peace by land grabbers in Ojomu communities (Ajiranland) in Eti Osa and called for the government’s intervention to stop incessant harassment, criminal trespass and violent activities by land grabbers.
Speaking at a press briefing recently in Lagos, the President of CHSR, Mr Alex Omotehinse, said the security and welfare of the people should be more paramount to Sanwo-Olu.
Omotehinse said, “We are deeply concerned by the continuous threats to public peace as a result of the unlawful activities of land grabbers in the Ojomu community otherwise referred to as AJIRAN LAND, in the Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State.
“Activities of land grabbers should be curtailed. The governor of Lagos State must rise up to the occasion to secure the people of the state and their property; that is the primary responsibility of a government.
“There is land grabbing all over Lagos, in Ikorodu, Epe, Lekki, Eti-Ota, Lekki, and Badagry axis. Government and law enforcement agencies are not acting as expected. For land grabbing to be a lucrative business in Lagos State, some state actors are involved.”
Omotehinse also draws the attention of the general public to the situation and demands immediate action from relevant authorities in Lagos State, as well as security agencies and other relevant institutions.
The press release reads: “Situation in Ojomu Community (AJIRAN LAND) and need for urgent intervention CHSR has received a number of complaints bordering on activities of land grabbers who over time have become atrocious in Ojomu community otherwise known as AJIRALAND. The various petitions by concerned stakeholders regarding the worrisome activities of land grabbers in AJIRAN LAND have been extensively reviewed by Civil Society Groups under the platform of CHSR.
“These petitions include those forwarded to the Nigeria Police as well as Ministries, Agencies and critical actors of Lagos State Government namely; (The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Chief of Staff to the Governor of Lagos State, Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Honourable Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency, Coordinator, Lagos State Special Taskforce on Land Grabbers
“Equally important to mention is the petition was forwarded to the Inspector General of Police earlier on December 8, 2022, from FADESERE & CO (legal practitioners) on behalf of HRM OBA AKINLOYE TIJANI SATERU II OF AJIRAN LAND and the BALOGUN OF AJIRAN LAND, ALHAJI YEKINI CHIEF OLAWALE BAKARE regarding harassment, hooliganism, threats to life and conducts likely to cause a breach of public peace in the community.
“It is however unfortunate that no concrete action has been taken by both Lagos State Government and the Nigeria Police to put Mr Ahmed Tajudeen and other land grabbers in check. Unlawful Activities of Land Grabbers in Ojomu Community. These land grabbers led by one Mr Ahmed Tajudeen engage in wanton harassment of rightful allottees and criminal trespass on legitimately acquired lands in flagrant violation of the extant laws of Lagos State.
“It is indeed alarming that the activities of Mr Ahmed Tajudeen are in total disregard for the authority of the traditional institution of AJIRAN LAND vested in the office of Oba of AJIRAN LAND, His Royal Highness, OBA AKINLOYE TIJANI SATERU II.
“Under the coordination of Mr Ahmed Tajudeen, these land grabbers circumvent legitimate land documentations that bear the seal of Lagos State Ministry of Lands and the Consent of the authority of Governor of Lagos State as provided for under the land acquisition procedures of Lagos State.
“More disturbing however is that the illegitimate activities of the said Mr Ahmed Tajudeen are in the blatant negation of existing valid agreements between land owners and the bonafide family in Ojomu community.”
“CHSR is concerned that the masterminds of the disturbance in Ojomu communities are acting contrary to the orders and authorities of AJIRAN LAND and the Lagos State Property Protection Law of 2016.
“Therefore, civil society stakeholders under the platform of CHSR hereby:
1. We demand that both the Lagos State Government and Nigeria Police should put an end to harassment of authentic allottees and rightful owners of lands in Ojomu community and by extension AJIRAN LAND.
2. Call out the Lagos State Government for failing to protect the legitimate authority of traditional institution in AJIRAN LAND against the reckless insubordination of land grabbers. 3. We urge Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to reverse the ugly situation and restore the honour and pride deserved by the legally recognised custodians of the culture and heritage of AJIRAN LAND.
4. We urge Governor Sanwo-Olu to investigate incidents relating to the threats to the lives of HRM OBA AKINLOYE TIJANI SATERU II OF AJIRAN LAND, the BALOGUN OF AJIRAN LAND, ALHAJI YEKINI CHIEF OLAWALE BAKARE and members of their families which for the basis of the petition forwarded to the Inspector General of Police on December 8, 2022.
“. We demand that Lagos State Government should investigate allegations of forgery of DEED OF ASSIGNMENT and other land-related documents duly authorised and signed with the authority of Ojumu family as well as Lagos State land documents.
“We demand that Lagos State Government should urgently investigate human rights abuses being perpetrated by land grabbers in the Ojomu community including intimidation and ostracizing of certain sons of the Ojomu community by Mr Ahmed Tajudeen.
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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