The Ojaekomo Family of Sapata Village, Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State, has raised the alarm over an alleged attempt to forcibly take over land allocated to it by the Lagos State Government.

The family, through the Centre for Accountability and Social Well-Being (CASW), also called on the Inspector-General of Police, Lagos State Government, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies to prevent possible violence and investigate the activities of Bashiru Fakorede and others allegedly acting in connection with competing interests in the disputed property.

Addressing journalists at a press briefing, Mariam Adekoya and Bolaji Arokoyo, who spoke on behalf of CASW, the group said the dispute had gone beyond an ordinary land disagreement and had become a matter concerning public safety, respect for government decisions and the rule of law.

According to the group, Fakorede had been repeatedly sighted on the disputed property in circumstances connected with the ongoing dispute, adding that it was in possession of evidence which, in its view, suggested that he was acting in furtherance of the interests of the Ojomu Family.

It, however, stressed that it was not asking the public or the media to convict Fakorede of any criminal offence, but urged the relevant authorities to investigate his activities and the interests he allegedly represents.

The group said its concerns were heightened by information suggesting that some persons might exploit the recent withdrawal of security personnel from the property to interfere with the Ojaekomo Family’s possession.

It warned that no individual, family, traditional institution or political actor had the right to use force or intimidation to determine ownership of land outside the processes established by law.

Giving the history of the disputed property, CASW said the Ojaekomo people had occupied the Sapata Ojuokun area for generations and that the Lagos State Government, on November 13, 2015, granted the Ojaekomo Community an excision covering 60 hectares of wetland under Survey Plan No. LS/D/LA/3834.

It said subsequent disagreements involving the Ojomu Family led to the matter being presented before the Lagos State House of Assembly, where relevant interests, including representatives of the Ojomu Family, participated in the process.

The group said the House of Assembly subsequently passed a resolution dated August 3, 2023, referenced LSHA/LM/C/50/VOL.II/93, apportioning the 60 hectares between the two families.

Under the resolution, 32.42 hectares, representing 54 per cent, were allocated to the Ojomu Royal Family, while 27.65 hectares, representing 46 per cent, were allocated to the Ojaekomo Family.

CASW said the Lagos State Government subsequently implemented the decision and caused separate survey plans to be prepared for the respective portions.

It identified Survey Plan No. LS/D/LA8451/B as covering approximately 27.65 hectares allocated to the Ojaekomo Family.

On the ongoing litigation, the group said aspects of the dispute had been before the courts, noting that a consent judgment previously obtained had subsequently been set aside following an application by persons who were not parties to the original proceedings.

It added that the decision was currently being challenged through the appropriate appellate process.

CASW said it would not attempt to determine the merits of the appeal through the media, stressing that the Court of Appeal remained the appropriate forum to resolve the legal issues.

However, it maintained that the existence of litigation could not be used as a justification for invading the property, mobilising people onto the land, destroying property, threatening occupants or attempting to create possession through force.

The group urged anybody who believed that the government’s allocation or subsequent actions concerning the property were unlawful to seek redress through the courts.

It also expressed concern over the withdrawal of Police and NSCDC personnel previously deployed around the property, saying the security presence had become necessary following reported incidents and threats.

CASW called on the relevant authorities to investigate who requested the withdrawal of the security personnel, the representations made before the decision and the security assessment that preceded it.

It also asked the authorities to establish whether persons asserting competing interests in the property were directly or indirectly involved in representations concerning the withdrawal.

The group further disclosed that it had received information suggesting that attempts could be made to provoke violence on or around the property and subsequently manipulate the circumstances against those protecting or occupying the land.

It said the information would be submitted to the appropriate security authorities, stressing that its decision to make the warning public was aimed at preventing violence rather than attributing criminal acts to any individual without investigation.

CASW consequently called on the Inspector-General of Police, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, NSCDC Commandant-General, Lagos State Governor, Attorney-General of Lagos State and other relevant agencies to take immediate preventive measures.

Among its demands were adequate security around the disputed property, investigation of any planned forcible entry, destruction or intimidation, and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of security personnel.

It also urged the authorities to investigate the activities and role of Fakorede and others allegedly acting in furtherance of competing interests, particularly where such activities could threaten public peace.

The group further called on the authorities to warn all parties, including the Ojaekomo and Ojomu families, their agents, supporters and representatives, against resorting to self-help while legal and administrative remedies remained available.

CASW said the Ojaekomo Family was prepared to participate in litigation, obey lawful court orders and submit relevant documents and evidence to government agencies and security authorities.

It said the family would, however, not accept any attempt to replace the rule of law with intimidation or force.

“This is not a declaration of war. It is a demand for the rule of law,” the group said, urging security agencies to act before violence occurs rather than after lives may have been lost. The time for preventive action is now.”

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