The Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday unanimously adopted recommendations on a petition concerning land excision and ownership in Oko-Ado, Sangotedo. 

The petition sought urgent intervention to issue a certificate of occupancy to the Igbaro Oteshade Royal Family. 

Presenting the committee’s report during plenary, Oladipupo Ajomale, chairman of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Public Petitions and LASIEC, outlined its findings. 

Mr Ajomale said the committee conducted an oversight visit to the disputed land alongside officials from the Office of the State Surveyor-General. He said representatives of the Land Bureau and the New Towns Development Authority also participated in the inspection exercise.

According to him, the committee observed that about 20 hectares of visible land had already been allocated.

“The presence of Smartcity Company and Efficacy Construction Company on parts of the land confirmed that allocations had been made,” he said.

Mr Ajomale added that the committee found evidence of ongoing construction activities on portions allegedly sold by some family members. He said the committee’s investigation confirmed that the Oteshade Royal Family is the ancestral owner of the disputed land.

According to him, the family shares boundaries with the Otebiya family, a fact confirmed by the community’s chief.

Mr Ajomale further stated that a valid memorandum of understanding had been duly executed by the concerned parties. He said compensation was paid in recognition of the Oteshade family’s status as the ancestral owners of the property.

The lawmaker also noted that an official access road existed for all landowners within the community.

According to him, the route is separate from the disputed sand-filled access road at the centre of the controversy.

Mr Ajomale said the committee recommended that the Land Bureau, NTDA, and other relevant agencies immediately halt allocations on already-excised lands. He said the recommendation also applies to lands previously committed to individuals and corporate organisations.

“This is necessary to prevent avoidable embarrassment that could bring Lagos State into disrepute,” Mr Ajomale said.

Following the presentation, the speaker of the assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, put the recommendations to a voice vote.

The lawmakers unanimously adopted the committee’s recommendations as resolutions of the House. 

(NAN)