The Lagos State House of Assembly members have decided to have a public meeting about the problem of land grabbing in the state.
The lawmakers, in a unanimous decision on Tuesday, said the planned stakeholders’ meeting would involve the state government, the police, the judiciary, traditional rulers and others.
Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, said land grabbing has become a serious and chaotic issue. Many people have been killed, injured, or imprisoned without trial because of certain people acting as land grabbers.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Eromosele Ebhomele, quoted Obasa as expressing concern about cases where land speculators write petitions and, with the help of security officials, the real property owners are arrested, taken to Abuja, and forced to sign undertakings that prevent them from using the land they purchased.
The Speaker mentioned that land grabbers often attack new and developing areas in Ikorodu, Epe, Ojo and others, and questioned how they have the boldness to invade people’s property, kill the owner, or involve the police.
Obasa also shared his own experience, expressing concern for residents who struggle to own and build on their properties, only to have someone suddenly take over the land, making their lives difficult.
He also raised concerns about delays and multiple court judgments, and urged the government to consider fair compensation for land owners whose properties are taken over in the public interest.
Obasa asked how people are expected to escape poverty if there isn't a proper process for compensating them when the government acquires their land, as land is a source of wealth for its owners.
During the discussion, Kazeem Olayinka (Mushin Constituency 2) urged the House to arrange a meeting with the stakeholders to address the problem.
Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa 2) emphasized the importance of focusing on enforcing the law against land grabbing.
He suggested establishing a dedicated agency to effectively handle such cases.
Other lawmakers stressed the need for stronger enforcement of the existing laws related to land grabbing.
The Lagos State House of Assembly offered condolences to the Olubadan-in-council over the passing of Oba Lekan Balogun, the 42nd Olubadan.
The House also expressed sympathy to the Nigerian Army for the loss of its personnel in Delta.
The lawmakers paid tribute to the departed and the Speaker instructed the Clerk, Olalekan Onafeko, to send letters of condolence to the Olubadan-in-council and the Nigerian Army.
