Land grabbing: So many Epe families have lost their lands – GRV

In a display of discontent, Epe Local Government Area (LGA) residents in Lagos State took to the streets to protest against what they perceived as unjust land grabbing in their community. 

The demonstration, fueled by years of frustration and loss, saw them rally against developers’ encroachment on their ancestral lands.

Obafemi Onayemi, a traditional chief speaking to reporters, noted, “Sometimes around 2006, the government came and acquired all our land. We have been to many offices, the physical planning, the land, the commerce and industry, and the justice. We can see how they are dribbling us. They don’t handle the matter accordingly. The people are suffering. There is nothing for us. That is why we want the government to intervene.’ 

Reacting to the news, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party’s gubernatorial candidate, emphasised the severity of the issue in a post on X. 

He remarked, “This report does not do justice to what indigenes of Lagos have been facing. So many Epe families have lost their lands, their sacred grooves. Badagry families have been fighting in court for decades to keep their lands. The painful thing is that the government turns around and sells these lands to developers, most of whom are fronts for them.”

Rhodes-Vivour shared the sentiments of many protesters, who feel marginalised and dispossessed by the actions of authorities and developers alike. The heart of the matter lies in the lack of proper compensation for those whose lands are being acquired. As Rhodes-Vivour emphasised, “Even if you want to take people’s lands, compensate them properly.”

The issue isn’t confined to Epe alone; neighbouring areas such as Ibeju Lekki are also grappling with similar challenges. Rhodes-Vivour expressed concern over the situation in Ibeju Lekki, describing it as criminal. He urged the indigenes to summon the courage to speak out against the injustices they face.

This report does not do justice to what indigenes of Lagos have been facing. So many Epe families have lost their lands, their sacred grooves. Badagry families have been fighting in court for decades to keep their lands . The painful thing is that the government turns round and… https://t.co/bEQldYqRzt

— Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (@GRVlagos) March 13, 2024

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