Lagos Assembly Adjourns Lekki Land Dispute Hearing as CSO Raises Alarm Over Alleged Harassment

 

 The Center for Public Accountability and Social Well-being (CPASW) on Thursday protested at the Lagos State House of Assembly, calling for an investigation into alleged interference, intimidation and harassment surrounding a disputed 27.65-hectare parcel of land in the Lekki sub-region.

The protest followed a petition submitted by the organisation to the House on August 23, seeking legislative intervention in the longstanding dispute involving the Ojaekomo family, the Ojomu Chieftaincy Family and Bashiru Fakorede over land situated at Sapata Village, Ajiran, Eti-Osa Local Government Area.

The development came as the Assembly's Committee on Rules and Business commenced consideration of the petition.

In a letter dated September 7 and signed by the Clerk of the House, A.A. Oshinowo, the Assembly invited the Director-General of CPASW, Shola Omolola, to appear before the committee on Thursday, alongside his clients and relevant documents.

The Ojaekomo family and representatives of the CSO appeared before the committee, while Fakorede was absent. His lawyer, however, informed the committee that his client would be available on Monday, September 14.

Following his absence, the committee adjourned further consideration of the matter until Monday.

In its petition, CPASW said the dispute dated back several decades and involved about 60 hectares of wetland which the Ojaekomo family claimed had been excised to it by the Lagos State Government.

The organisation stated that the government granted the Ojaekomo family an excision covering 60 hectares on November 13, 2015, under Survey Plan No. LS/D/LA/3834.

According to the Centre, the dispute subsequently intensified following alleged interference by members of the Ojomu family with reclamation and development activities being carried out by the Ojaekomo family and its contractor, Shaffykay & Co. Property Limited.

CPASW further alleged that while litigation over the property was ongoing, the Ojomu family obtained Certificate of Occupancy No. 99/99/2022E in 2022 covering the same 60-hectare wetland.

The Ojaekomo family later petitioned the Lagos State House of Assembly, which considered the matter in 2023.

The Centre said the House subsequently adopted a resolution dated August 3, 2023, dividing the 60 hectares between the two families.

Under the resolution, 32.42 hectares, representing 54 per cent of the land, was allocated to the Ojomu Chieftaincy/Royal Family, while 27.65 hectares, representing 46 per cent, was allocated to the Ojaekomo family.

It added that the Assembly directed that the portion allocated to the Ojaekomo family be separately carved out and surveyed in its name to prevent further disputes.

The organisation claimed that the Lagos State Government later revoked the earlier Certificate of Occupancy issued to the Ojomu family and commenced steps to implement the Assembly's resolution.

It cited a letter dated October 29, 2025, from the Office of the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice as evidence of the government's implementation of the resolution.

CPASW also said the Office of the Surveyor-General subsequently prepared two survey plans: LS/D/LA8451/A, covering 32.42 hectares for the Ojomu Chieftaincy Family, and LS/D/LA8451/B, covering 27.65 hectares for the Ojaekomo family.

However, the Centre alleged that despite the government's intervention, the dispute had persisted, with members of the Ojaekomo family and their workers allegedly facing intimidation, harassment, arrests and interference at the disputed site.

It specifically alleged that Fakorede deployed armed persons to the property and used security agencies against members of the Ojaekomo family and their workers.

The organisation further alleged that some individuals arrested in connection with the dispute had weapons allegedly planted on them by security personnel.

CPASW acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and called for an independent investigation to establish the facts.

The Centre also alleged that Fakorede had claimed to possess considerable influence within government institutions and could overturn decisions relating to the disputed property.

It said such claims, if established, would raise concerns about the integrity of government processes and adherence to the rule of law.

The organisation consequently urged the Assembly to invite Fakorede, representatives of the two families and relevant government officials to present their positions and supporting documents.

It also requested the verification of the 2023 Assembly resolution, the status of the revoked Certificate of Occupancy and the authenticity of the two survey plans.

CPASW further urged the Assembly to ensure that the 27.65-hectare portion allocated to the Ojaekomo family is properly demarcated and protected from unlawful interference, subject to any subsisting order or determination of a competent court.

The Centre also called for an investigation into allegations of harassment, unlawful arrests, intimidation, alleged planting of weapons and the deployment of armed persons in connection with the dispute.

It appealed to all parties to avoid violence, intimidation and self-help while any outstanding legal proceedings are being determined.

The organisation maintained that its petition went beyond a private land dispute, arguing that it also raised issues concerning the authority of government decisions, the integrity of legislative resolutions, the use of security agencies and the protection of citizens' rights.

It therefore urged the House of Assembly to ensure that the 2023 resolution and subsequent actions of the Lagos State Government are respected by all parties and that the dispute is resolved peacefully and in accordance with the law.