Lagos State Government has announced the successful resolution of a land dispute in Okun-Ajah and Mayegun communities that had persisted for over two decades.
The State Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Hon. Ekundayo Alebiosu, disclosed this on Monday at the ongoing Ministerial Press Briefing in Alausa, Ikeja, held to mark the second year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.
The commissioner revealed that the dispute, which had threatened the homes and livelihoods of hundreds of residents within state government schemes, was brought to a peaceful and lawful resolution through the visionary leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
According to him, Governor Sanwo-Olu’s unwavering commitment to governance with a human face was the driving force behind a groundbreaking regularisation process that spared over 200 allottees from eviction and property loss.
He stated, “What we have achieved here is a testament to Mr Governor’s belief that governance must prioritise people, their dignity, their security, and their future. Rather than demolish homes and uproot lives, we brought stakeholders to a roundtable and crafted a legal pathway for regularising occupancy.”
The commissioner explained that many of the affected individuals had unknowingly encroached on government land, creating a prolonged conflict over ownership. Instead of resorting to mass demolitions, the state government implemented an accommodation strategy that allowed the settlers to regularise their land documents and remain legally on the property.
Alebiosu noted that the allottees were not only relieved but deeply appreciative of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s thoughtful and compassionate leadership, which averted the potential displacement of families, destruction of businesses, and severe impact on livelihoods and well-being.
He remarked, “Many of the affected individuals had unknowingly encroached on government land, creating a protracted conflict over ownership. Instead of resorting to mass demolitions, the state government, through the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, implemented an accommodation strategy that allowed the settlers to regularise their land documents and remain legally on the property.
“Many of the beneficiaries who received their electronic survey copies could not hide their excitement and gratitude.”
The commissioner described the landmark resolution as a significant victory for urban peacebuilding, reflecting Governor Sanwo-Olu’s broader urban development agenda, which blends strategic planning with empathy. He said those affected were full of appreciation to the state government for fulfilling its promises.
“Receiving their e-survey copies gives them great joy and renewed confidence in the process and in this administration.
“This landmark resolution marks a significant victory for urban peacebuilding and reflects Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s broader urban development agenda, one that blends strategic planning with empathy.
“This isn’t just a resolution; it’s a message that in Lagos, people come first and that development will never come at the expense of humanity.”
The commissioner added that the successful resolution is expected to set a new precedent for how land disputes and settlement issues are addressed in the state, reaffirming Lagos as a model of progressive urban governance in Nigeria.
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