A royal family in Lagos has taken a stand against what they describe as a forceful takeover of their ancestral land.
The Igbaro Otesade Royal Family in Oko-Ado, Eti Osa Local Government, is protesting the alleged encroachment by a construction company, claiming their land has been seized without legal documentation.
Family Alleges Illegal Takeover
During a peaceful demonstration on Tuesday, the family’s spokesperson, Hammed Ogunbo, accused Mr. Oyeleke Ajiboye, the owner of Efficacy Construction Company, of annexing their five-acre property without any approval from the Lagos State Government.
“Earlier this year, Mr. Ajiboye came in and took over almost all five acres of our family land. He demolished existing structures built by buyers and fenced off the entire property,” Ogunbo said.
Attempts by the family to discuss the issue with Ajiboye were reportedly met with intimidation by security operatives and area boys.
Legal Battle and Government Response
The family claims they escalated the matter to the Lagos State House of Assembly, where Honorable Tobun assured them that the government was aware of the land dispute.
According to him, there were discussions about compensating them with another piece of land.
Their legal representative, Kingsley Okoro, condemned the alleged harassment faced by family members and urged the state government to intervene.
Ajiboye Denies Allegations
In response, Ajiboye dismissed the accusations, insisting the land was legally acquired by the Lagos State Government.
He stated that all legal documents were obtained through the New Town Development Authority (NTDA) and claimed that the Otesade Family had already been compensated.
“I do not recognize the Otesade Family as the rightful owners. The government approved our acquisition, and even the original landowners, the Otebiya Family, have not contested our claim,” Ajiboye stated.
He further alleged that a faction of the Otesade Family had illegally resold parts of the land to unsuspecting buyers, despite knowing it had been acquired by the government.
Ongoing Legal Battle
The dispute has been taken to court multiple times. In 2023, the Otesade Family approached the State High Court in Epe, which led to confrontations between both parties.
Another case in the Ajah High Court resulted in a ruling urging peaceful resolution.
Despite these legal battles, the land dispute remains unresolved, with both parties holding their ground.
What’s Next?
With tensions rising, all eyes are on the Lagos State Government to intervene and clarify ownership. Will justice be served, or will this be another unresolved land dispute?
Stay tuned to NIGPOST for updates.
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