Lagos residents have staged a peaceful protest against land grabbers in the Imota community, demanding urgent action from local authorities.
The protest took place on Friday, December 20, 2024, at the WARP Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society Estate Phase 1 in Emuren, Imota, Ikorodu.
Residents have been living in fear for months due to the increasing activities of land grabbers who have been harassing them and trying to seize their land.
The protest followed a meeting at the residence of the estate’s president, Mr. Toriola Adeyemi, aimed at addressing the growing menace of land grabbing in the area.
Mr. Adeyemi explained that the community has been under siege by these criminals, who have been making unlawful demands and threatening violence.
However, the meeting took an unexpected turn when a group of land grabbers, in large numbers, confronted the residents as they entered Mr. Adeyemi’s property.
The land grabbers demanded that the residents leave the property immediately, warning them to stop holding any meetings on the land.
Despite a court order restraining the land grabbers from encroaching on the property, the harassment continues, leaving residents anxious and frustrated.
The issue is further complicated by the involvement of some members of the Ayan-Olu family, from whom the property was legally purchased.
In May 2024, the WARP estate bought the 15-acre property from the Ayan-Olu family with all the necessary legal documentation, including a survey plan, letters of authorization, and family receipts.
Yet, in April 2024, some descendants of the Ayan-Olu family reportedly made additional demands, threatening the residents with forfeiture of their lands.
Despite the clear legal ownership and a restraining order from the court, these threats and unlawful activities have continued.
The residents have reported that the land grabbers have been openly defying the law by selling plots of land to other individuals.
This has created an atmosphere of fear, with residents unable to enjoy peace in their own homes.
The State Ministry of Land Grabbers is aware of the issue, but residents argue that the government has not done enough to stop the land grabbers.
“We are tired of living in fear,” said Mr. Adeyemi, the estate’s president. “We have followed all legal procedures and still, these criminals continue to harass us. We are asking the Oba Ranodu of Imota, Oba Mudasiru Ajibade Bakare-Agoro, to intervene.”
The protest highlights the growing issue of land grabbing in Lagos State, a problem that has been affecting many communities across the region.
Land grabbing is a serious crime in Nigeria, often involving the illegal acquisition of land by force or deceit.
In recent years, the problem has become widespread, with many residents falling victim to land grabbers who take advantage of legal loopholes and weak enforcement.
Many communities have resorted to protests as a means of seeking justice and demanding action from the authorities.
The WARP Estate residents are no different, with their protest aimed at bringing attention to the issue and urging local leaders to act swiftly.
“We are not backing down,” Mr. Adeyemi said. “We will continue to fight for our rights and our land. We need the Oba to help us bring these criminals to justice.”
The Oba Ranodu of Imota, Oba Mudasiru Ajibade Bakare-Agoro, has yet to publicly comment on the protest or the land grabbing issue.
However, his intervention is seen as crucial in resolving the ongoing crisis.
Many hope that the Oba’s influence and authority will bring an end to the harassment and restore peace to the community.
In the meantime, the residents are calling on the state government to enforce the court order and take stronger action against the land grabbers.
They have also requested increased security in the area to protect their homes and properties from further attacks.
“The government must do more,” said one protester. “We cannot continue to live like this. Our homes and our future are at stake.”