The issue of land grabbing has taken center stage in the Lagos State House of Assembly (LSHA), prompting lawmakers to organize a public hearing as part of urgent measures to address the problem.
The planned stakeholders’ meeting will involve key entities such as the Lagos State Government (LASG), the Nigeria Police, the Judiciary, and traditional rulers.
According to a statement issued by Eromosele Ebhomele, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Speaker of the LSHA, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Obasa emphasized the gravity of the land grabbing issue, describing it as a serious and disruptive problem. He expressed concern over the loss of lives, injuries, and wrongful detentions resulting from the activities of land grabbers.
The Speaker also raised objections to cases in which land speculators file petitions and collude with security officials to unjustly apprehend the rightful owners of properties. He highlighted instances where property owners are taken to Abuja, coerced into signing undertakings that restrict them from their own land, and stressed the audacity and confidence displayed by the land grabbers.
Drawing from his personal experience, Speaker Obasa questioned the fate of residents who invest their efforts and resources in acquiring and developing properties, only to have them unlawfully seized. He also expressed concerns about the delays and multiple judgments from the courts and urged the state government to consider providing fair compensation to those whose properties are acquired for public purposes.
Hon. Kazeem Olayinka (Mushin Constituency 2) initiated a motion under ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance,’ urging the House to convene a meeting with stakeholders to address the land grabbing issue. Other lawmakers, including Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa 2), emphasized the importance of enforcing laws against land grabbing and proposed the establishment of a dedicated agency to handle such cases effectively.
In addition to the discussions on land grabbing, the Lagos State House of Assembly expressed condolences to the Olubadan-in-Council over the passing of Oba Lekan Balogun, the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadan, and to the Nigerian Army (NA) following the recent ambush and killing of 17 personnel during a peace mission in Okuama community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The Lagos State Government has previously taken steps to address the menace of land grabbing. In 2016, a Task Force was established under the supervision of the Attorney General with the aim of minimizing forceful and intimidating activities used to dispossess individuals or entities of their legitimate property rights. The Task Force collaborates with various government agencies and security forces to enforce property rights and engage in alternative dispute resolution.
The core value of the Task Force is to safeguard the rights to possession and occupation of properties in Lagos State, discouraging the use of force or self-help by encroachers. Its responsibilities include receiving and acknowledging petitions from aggrieved individuals, conducting fact-finding meetings, exploring alternative dispute resolution, and collaborating with relevant government agencies for effective implementation of its mandate. The Ministry of Justice also highlighted on-site inspections and operations of lands, including government schemes, as part of the Task Force’s functions.