The menace of land grabbing was a major topic for debate on the floor of the Lagos State House of Assembly, which is set to hold a public hearing on the menace of land grabbing in the state.
The planned public hearing meeting would be all-encompassing, involving the state government, the police, the judiciary, traditional rulers, and others.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. 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 into land grabbers.”
Dr. Obasa frowned at cases where land speculators write petitions, and with the connivance of security officials, the real owners of the properties are arrested, taken to Abuja, and forced to sign undertakings that would bar them from the same land they bought from their toiling.
The Speaker, who said these land grabbers often attack new and developing areas in Ikorodu, Epe, Ojo, and others, added, “I wonder how somebody would just invade people’s properties and still exude such boldness and confidence, kill the owner, or bring police.”
Obasa, recalling his own experience some time ago, further added, “What do you think of the fate of a resident who struggles to own a property and struggles 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 judgements from courts while urging the state government to consider commensurate compensations for landowners whose properties are taken over in the overriding public interest.
Land is a source of wealth for its owners, and when the 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?” He asked.
Moving the motion under ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance’ earlier, Hon. Kazeem Olayinka (Mushin Constituency 2) implored the House to organise a meeting with the stakeholders to address the problem.
In his contribution, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa 2) stressed the importance of focusing on the enforcement of the law against land grabbing. He urged the establishment of a dedicated agency to effectively handle cases.
Other lawmakers who contributed to the debate harped on the need for stronger enforcement of the existing laws relating to land grabbing.
