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Disturbed by the massive encroachment and illegal sales of 8.3 hectares of land along Ayobo-Ishefun Road in Alimosho Local Government Area, the Lagos State government has warned traditional rulers, chiefs and all natives of the community to stop selling the land or face the wrath of the law.
It was gathered that the land in question was being planned for the construction of the proposed 608 Housing Units for Workers (also known as Lagos State Workers Village Scheme) in Ayobo by the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration as part of the strategic moves to significantly address the housing deficit among concerns workers in the state.
But the government said that it has, at a recent inspection of the site, noticed that some persons or group of persons are selling government land to unsuspecting individuals, warning that it would soon go after such illegal occupants and demolish the buildings that fall under acquisition.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa with traditional rulers and chiefs of the community, the state’s Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, said it has come to the notice of the government that some parcels of the the land re being encroached, even after the government had announced to bring development to the axis through housing estate.
He warned the would-be landlords to make proper findings on any landed property before buying them, saying that no government agency would issue title documents or building permit on the government’s land that is already committed to a project in the overriding general public interest.
Akinderu, who explained that the land was acquired in 1999 for developmental purposes, advised potential property owners to always verify the status of the any land at the Office of the State Surveyor-General before purchasing them from land speculators. He said that there are cases of illegal sales of government land by unscrupulous individuals, families and communities.
The lawmaker, representing the community at the state House of Assembly, Hon.Bisi Yusuf said that the land had been acquired since 1999, saying that for about 30 years development eluded the area not until recently when he made some efforts towards bring development to the axis.
He said that he has sensitised the residents, community leaders to cooperate with the government not to stand in the way of development. He added that the government has the right over the land and could remove building illegally built on it.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing, Mr. Wasiu Akewusola, warned residents to be wary of land under government acquisition, said people should endeavor to seek information from relevant agencies before buying or building on any land.
The Permanent Secretary, who advised communities to always cooperate with the government whenever a project being proposed in their domains, added that all structures and buildings constructed on the land by persons, companies or institutions without a valid document from State government will be removed through the appropriate Government agencies.
Akewusola urged the general public to take the formal approach to verify the status of any landed property before consummating any transaction.
