UPDATE: LAGOS ASSEMBLY PLANS PUBLIC HEARING ON LAND GRABBING
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The public hearing on the threat of land grabbing in the state has been approved by the members of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The state administration, law enforcement, the judiciary, traditional leaders, and others will be present at the scheduled stakeholders’ meeting, according to a unanimous agreement made by the parliamentarians on Tuesday.
Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, said land grabbing has become “a serious issue that is beyond disturbing. It is chaotic. Many people have been killed, some maimed and some locked up without trial just because of the existence of some people who have turned themselves to land grabbers.”
In a statement provided to journalists, the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Eromosele Ebhomele, quoted Obasa as expressing disapproval of situations in which land speculators write petitions and, with the help of security personnel, the real property owners are arrested, brought to Abuja, and made to sign agreements that prevent them from returning to the land they laboriously purchased.
The Speaker, who said the land grabbers often attack new and developing areas in Ikorodu, Epe, Ojo and others, added, “I wonder how somebody would just invade people’s property and still exude such boldness and confidence, kill the owner or bring police.”
Obasa, recalling his own experience sometime ago, added: “What do you think of the fate of a resident who struggles to own a property, struggle to start building on it only for somebody to just suddenly take over the land making life difficult for him?”
He also raised concerns over delays and multiple judgments from courts while urging the state government to consider commensurate compensations for land owners whose properties are taken over in overriding public interest.
“Land is a source of wealth for its owners and when government acquires it, there must be a process in place for adequate compensation. If not, how do you expect such people to get out of poverty?”, Obasa inquired.
Kazeem Olayinka (Mushin Constituency 2) moved the motion earlier under the heading “Matter of Urgent Public Importance,” pleading with the House to call a meeting with the relevant parties to discuss the issue.
Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa 2) emphasised in his contribution the significance of concentrating on the enforcement of the law against land grabbing.
In order to properly manage cases, he advocated for the creation of a specialised agency.
Several legislators who participated in the discussion repeatedly emphasised the necessity for stricter implementation of the current land-grabbing rules.
In the meantime, the Lagos State House of Assembly has expressed its condolences to the Olubadan-in-Council about the passing of Oba Lekan Balogun, the 42nd Olubadan.
The Nigerian Army was also expressed sympathy by the House for the deaths of its soldiers in Delta.
The Speaker ordered the Clerk, Olalekan Onafeko, to submit a letter of condolence to the Nigerian Army and the Olubadan-in-Council while the lawmakers observed a minute of silence in memory of the deceased.
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