Assembly adopts report on royal family land claim

The Lagos State House of Assembly has adopted a committee report recommending action on a land claim by the Igbaro Oteshade Royal Family. The petition sought a Certificate of Occupancy for land located in Oko-Ado Village, Sangotedo, within the Eti-Osa Local Government Area.

“

The committee observed that portions of the land had already been allocated, with the presence of Smart City and Efficacy Construction Company on parts of the site. It also noted ongoing construction activities on portions of the land allegedly sold by some members of the family.

The Assembly's Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Public Petitions, and LASIEC conducted an oversight visit to the disputed land. During their investigation, they observed that parts of the land were already allocated, with entities like Smart City and Efficacy Construction Company present on site. The committee also noted ongoing construction on portions allegedly sold by some family members.

Findings by the committee established the Oteshade Royal Family as the ancestral owners of the land, sharing a boundary with the Otebiya Family. This claim was reportedly confirmed by the community's Baale. A Memorandum of Understanding between the families, which included payments acknowledging the Oteshade family's ownership, was also found to be valid.

“

The committee said its findings established the Oteshade Royal Family as the ancestral owner of the land and shares a boundary with the Otebiya Family, a claim it said was confirmed by the community’s Baale.

Furthermore, the committee determined that existing landowners in the area possess an official access route separate from the disputed sand-filled access road central to the petition. Based on these findings, the committee recommended that the Land Bureau, New Towns Development Authority, and other relevant agencies immediately cease allocating land that has already been excised or committed to individuals and corporate entities.

“

The committee urged the Land Bureau, NTDA and other relevant government agencies to immediately stop allocating land that had already been excised or committed to individuals and corporate entities.

The lawmakers unanimously approved the committee's recommendations, which were then ratified by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. The Assembly warned that continued allocation of such land could expose the state to legal disputes and reputational damage.

“

The committee warned that the continued allocation of such land could expose the state to legal disputes and reputational damage.