Follow Us on Google
The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has issued a warning to the public against purchasing or leasing a disputed piece of land at Weighbridge, Owode Onirin, along Ikorodu Road, Lagos State.
The land in question, the group cautioned, is currently the subject of ongoing litigation.
“Ownership of the land is currently being contested in Suit No: ID/1757/1994 – B.I. Olowu (Judgement Creditor/Respondent) vs Somolu Local Government & Kosofe Local Government (Judgement Debtors/Respondents), filed before the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja Judicial Division,” CHSR disclosed.
At a press conference in Lagos at the weekend, President of CHSR, Alex Omotehinse warned the public not to engage in any financial transactions for the purchase, lease or acquisition of the disputed land or any structures erected on it.
He disclosed further that a formal notice of dispute has been lodged at the Lagos State Lands Registry.
Members of the Owode Onirin Motor Spare Parts Association, who have been in lawful possession of the land since their relocation from Jankara Market by the late Governor Lateef Jakande, claim ownership of the land.
However, suspected land-grabbers and fraudulent agents are attempting to sell the land, despite a court order maintaining the status quo.
According to Omotehinse, “On March 10, Owode Spare Parts Marketers petitioned the Lagos State Government and the Lagos State House of Assembly, seeking intervention against land grabbers. On March 11, a press conference was held to bring the issue to the attention of Lagosians. On March 27, a marketers staged a peaceful protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly. On May 13, another press conference highlighted the deteriorating condition of traders affected by land grabbers.
“On June 2, the court issued an order for parties to maintain the status quo on the disputed land.”
CHSR warned, “Do not enter into any financial transactions for the purchase, lease or acquisition of the said plots of land, or any structure erected thereon by the defendants or their agents, regardless of the name or front they may use.
“Be aware that a formal notice of dispute over the land has been lodged at the Lagos State Lands Registry, which will trigger a query during any legitimate verification process.”
The CHSR and the Owode Onirin Motor Spare Parts Association urged the Lagos State Government, the Lagos State House of Assembly, and security agencies to intervene and ensure compliance with the court order, protecting the rights and livelihoods of the marketers.
Some of the leaders of the spare parts market, who spoke during the briefing included Alhaji Wasiu Awoko, Abiodun Ahmed and Tijani Moshood, among others.
