Expedite action on land grabbing, Lagos Assembly urges Sanwo-Olu

The Lagos State House of Assembly has called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to direct all agencies responsible for land matters to take swift action to protect property ownership and enforce appropriate sanctions against land grabbers.

The resolution, which aims to curb extortion and the fraudulent sale of land to multiple buyers, was adopted during a plenary session on Tuesday.

The move followed the presentation of a report by the Chairman of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Public Petitions, and LASIEC, Hon. Oladipo Ajomale.

The report stemmed from a petition filed by Mr. Tijani Maruf Oludare against Mr. Aluko Olusegun, the Vice-Chairman of Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area.

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According to Hon. Ajomale, the committee conducted a thorough investigation, inviting all concerned stakeholders, reviewing documents, and visiting the disputed site.

The findings revealed that Mr. Aluko had failed to perform due diligence before making payment, erroneously relying on a purported Appeal Court judgment.

The committee observed that a perimeter fence, constructed years ago, covered the four plots of land claimed by Mr. Maruf.

It was also noted that the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) had previously demolished illegal structures on the site.

In its recommendations, the committee stated that Mr. Tijani Maruf, having obtained the necessary government documents, should be given permanent possession of the four plots of land.

It also directed Mr. Aluko Adesegun to immediately cease all unlawful encroachment and construction on the property, in line with a High Court judgment from January 2025.

Hon. Akinsanya Nureni, a fellow lawmaker, emphasised the need for punitive measures. During his submission, he noted that Mr Aluko Olusegun should be punished for his actions to serve as a deterrent to others.

Following the report’s presentation, the House unanimously adopted the committee’s recommendations as its official resolution.