A very painful moment for the people of Awoyaya resident in Lagos over alleged unlawful seizure of their ancient expanse of land by the Lagos State. The residents of Abule Oluwa town, Ibeju-Lekki, have appealed to the Lagos State Government not to demolish their buildings which have been marked by the Ministry of Urban and Regional Planning.

The Baale of the town, Chief Rosululahi Oluwa, said the town had been in existence since the 17th century and their parents went to the court nine years ago when the Lagos State Government wanted to eject the residents.

Oluwa explained that a judgment delivered by Justice I.O. Harrison on January 16, 2018, declared the claimants, Chief Michael Oluwa, Chief Talibi Mutairu, among others as the lawful owners of the land.

He, therefore, pleaded with the state government to uphold the judgment given by the state high court.

“There is no place we can go; this place has been in existence since 17th century. We beg the government to please have mercy on us. We are not fighting them. They should let the judgment of the court be upheld, they should leave us here. All the agencies of the government being used to harass and chase the people we sold land to should stop, but should protect this village. Oluwa is a peaceful community and we abide by the rules and laws.”

Counsel for the family, Ademola Olowoyeye, told journalists that the community would comply with everything the government wanted but they should not threaten the people with the demolition of their properties and forceful seizure of the family land. 

 

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