Lagos state government revokes land in Abijo ,Ibeju Lekki

There has been an ongoing battle between Lagos State Government and the family over a large expanse of land in Abijo GRA and its environs, and the matter has escalated further. The Lagos State Governor has finally deployed his powers as granted by the Land Use Act to revoke the subject land.
If you are familiar with Abijo GRA, it is similar to Lekki phase 1 and phase 2 in terms of layout, design and infrastructures like roads and drainages. The government sold lands directly to diverse bodies, corporate institutions and individual investors and many of them have expended resources to obtain Certificates of Occupancy.

In an abrupt turn of events, in 2018 the traditional landowning family claimed to have obtained a court judgement against the Lagos State government covering 684.816 acres. According to the court,
a) The revocation exercise (by the Lagos State Government) did not comply with the provisions of the land Use Act as regards issuance and service of the notice on the holder;
b) The said customary right of occupancy of the Claimants's (family) in the said case has not been validly or effectively revoked by the Governor of Lagos State ; and
c) All Officers and Servants of the Lagos State Government are restrained by from committing acts of trespass on the said land.

Consequently, the Lagos State Government by virtue of a Public Notice in the newspapers have now revoked the entirety of the stretch covering the entire area which forms the subject of the aforementioned.
According to the Notice, the government considers the judgement as controversial and warns the public against dealing with other parties as the Government claims all the lands have been allocated to investors and certificates of occupancy have issued to them.

Recently, an investor contacted me for a site inspection on some plots within the Abijo GRA. After obtaining the required information, it was discovered that the land fell within the controversial judgement, the status remains Abijo GRA and hence is regarded as a committed land.
The investor was duly informed and seriously warned but he didn't listen. Instead, he went ahead with the purchase against our recommendation claiming the lands are attractive for the price with all the infrastructures like tarred roads concrete drainage in place. He argued that since it had a subsisting Court judgement in favour of the traditional landowners, nothing could happen. All efforts to make the investor see reasons that it is going to be a long battle ahead as the relevant government departments on lands matters were yet to recognize the judgement were futile. He was warned that obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy through the root of title from the Claimants will be extremely difficult knowing well that Government had issued Certificates of Occupancy to other investors that bought directly from Government.

Regrettably, the land has now been entirely acquired and his millions have been lost. According to the Governor of Lagos State whilst he fully recognises the unquestionable validity of the subsisiting judgement in favour of the Claimants, he has decided that all rights of occupancy in the said land in the suit or judgement shall be revoked for overriding public interest and for public purposes.
This is exactly what happens when real estate buyers and investors fail to adhere to professional advice thinking they know better.
While the Government and the other parties can continue their battle, discerning investors and smart buyers should be smart enough not to be the pawn and avoid controversial land investments.For many unsuspecting investors, it has become a nightmare and their hopes are dashed into pieces.

Consequently, all holders, owners or occupiers of the the revoked lands have been directed to yield up possession of such lands. This also includes those who bought from the developers or estates that did not buy from government or bought via the said judgement quoted in the revocation notice. This is a classic example of the tragedy of buying properties without proper verification exercise by land surveyors.
However, there is a ray of hope for any land owner affected by this revocation. A way out is to claim compensation provided a statement of interest is forwarded through a legal practitioner or surveyor or Estate or Valuation officer to the Permanent Secretary within twenty one (21) days from the date of service of the revocation notice. Those affected are advised to take advantage of this opportunity.

The author

Mr. Folarin N.O is a registered surveyor in private practice with years of experience in property matters. He dedicates his time to write about real estate issues, while using his knowledge as seasoned surveyor to aid, assist,teach, and benefit others.He believes professionals exit to serve the public and for the protection of the public’s welfare. Getting a land verification exercise at the time of purchase can save you from a lifetime tragedy. Contact us for your land and property verification exercise today!

Crystal Surveys Limited
Suite 11 Jewel Potters Mall,
along Lekki-Epe Expressway
(by Watch Tower Street)
Bogije Lagos State.
TEL : 08037046468,08028541100
Email:crystalsurveysltd@gmail.com
Website:www.crystalsurveysltd.org

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Wow. I hope this didn't affect camberwall Estate Abijo GRA Ibeju Lekki