Lagos Assembly Plans Public Hearing Against Land Grabbing

By Felix Kuyinu

Lawmakers at the Lagos State House of Assembly are planning to hold a public hearing over the ongoing land grabbing incidents in the state.

The lawmakers, during a plenary on Tuesday, agreed to involve necessary stakeholders in the move which will involve the state government, the Police, judiciary, traditional rulers to mention few.

The legislators hinted that the unwanted situation needs to be addressed as it is a serious issue which is disturbing and chaotic as many lives and properties have been lost alongside people’s fundermental rights being trampled on the state.

Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa condemning that act recently recorded in Ikorodu, Epe and Ojo areas of the state, said, “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 to land grabbers.

“I wonder how somebody would just invade people’s property and still exude such boldness and confidence, kill the owner or bring police.

The Speaker continued, “What do you think of the fate of a resident who struggles to own a property, struggle to start building on it only for somebody to just suddenly take overiding public interest

“Land is a source of wealth for its owners and when 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?”.

Hon. Kazeem Olayinka, representing Mushin Constituency 2, recommended that holds a meeting with the stakeholders to address the problem, highlighting the importance of focusing on the enforcement of the law against the perpetrators.