Homeowners and property owners in Surulere, Lagos, are reportedly in a state of panic as their traditional ruler, Onikate of Ikate, Surulere, Lagos, Oba Lateef Atanda Adams, is claiming ownership of a 315.9 acre land area, which includes at least 300 buildings.
The properties have been marked with a notice indicating that the Oba has taken possession of them through a court order. Oba Adams claims that the state government did not compensate the original landowners when the land was acquired about 40 years ago, as required by the Land Use Act, 1978……Continue Reading
He argues that the present occupants must produce evidence of ownership and enter into new agreements with the family. The traditional ruler is relying on a court judgment delivered in 1975, which declared the land area in question to the defendants/judgment creditors.
However, many homeowners claim that they never saw a copy of the court judgment. The Lagos State Development and Property Company has urged homeowners and residents not to panic, and to provide documents such as receipts, survey plans and Certificates of Occupancy.
