PHOTO: Comrade Buna Isiak, HURMA, Executive director (Middle) during the press briefing in Lagos
By: Mandy Park
A human rights organisation, the Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA), has petitioned the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs over alleged gross violations of the Lagos State Properties Protection Law by the Onikotun of Ikotun, Oba Abdulazeez Asiwaju Gbadabiu.
In a petition addressed to the Chairman of the Council, Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, HURMA accused the traditional ruler of allegedly sponsoring and protecting violent land grabbers, abusing traditional authority and unlawfully dispossessing the children of a deceased landowner of their inherited property in Ikotun area of Lagos.
The petition, signed by HURMA’s Executive Director, Comrade Buna Olaitan Isiak, was submitted on behalf of the children of late Alhaji Lateef Alabi Ola, identified as Alhaji Opeyemi Ola, Alhaji Bola Ola, Dr. Mudathir Ola and other members of the Ola family.
According to the organisation, the dispute centres on a parcel of land measuring about 1.621 hectares (approximately four acres) along Abaranje Road, Ikotun, which it said was lawfully acquired in 1977 by the late Alhaji Ola from the Ijalemo Family, the acknowledged customary owners of the land.
HURMA stated that the acquisition was perfected with family receipts dated December 1977, a duly executed indenture dated May 1, 1978, and survey plans from 1978 and 1986.
It added that the late Alhaji Ola established Ola Farms on the land and remained in peaceful possession until his death, after which ownership devolved on his children.
The group alleged that on or about February 14, 2024, armed land grabbers forcefully invaded the property, chased out lawful occupants and took over the land, an occupation it said has continued despite legal demands and a pending case before the High Court of Lagos State, Ikeja Judicial Division.
HURMA further alleged that the victims are orphans whose only means of livelihood was destroyed, describing the alleged dispossession as an aggravated offence under the law. It also claimed that during the invasion, Alhaji Bola Ola was assaulted and unlawfully detained, while farm facilities, livestock and economic trees were destroyed.
The organisation expressed concern that a recognised traditional ruler was allegedly using his position to legitimise criminal activities, warning that such conduct undermines the Lagos State Properties Protection Law of 2016 and threatens public order and governance.
HURMA called on the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs to probe the allegations, recommend the suspension of the Onikotun of Ikotun pending investigation, and direct relevant state agencies to enforce the anti-land grabbing law by removing all alleged illegal occupants from the land.
The group also urged authorities to ensure protection and restitution for the Ola family and to recommend sanctions and prosecution against any traditional ruler or accomplice found culpable.
“This petition is not merely a private dispute; it is a test case for the enforcement of the Lagos State Properties Protection Law and the credibility of the fight against land grabbing in Lagos State,” HURMA stated.
