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In a bid to reclaim her property, Mrs. Adebayo Adewole Aderonke, a Lagos-based businesswoman, has lodged a formal complaint against Morufu Owonla, known as Kaka, and Azeez Lawal Adekunle, also called Kunle Poly, for alleged land grabbing activities. The petition, submitted through her legal representative, Ademola Adefolaju of Lords & Temple, was addressed to the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, as well as the Chairman of the Lagos State Special Task Force on Land Grabbers.
According to the petition dated January 19, 2024, Mrs. Aderonke sought the recovery of her two-acre land located at Idioparun, Harmony Estate, Oke-Ira Nla, Ajah, Lagos State, which she claimed was forcefully taken over by the accused individuals. The document detailed various violations, including the unlawful sale of the property, encroachment with weapons, and illegal occupation, contravening sections 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8 of the Lagos State Property Protection Law 2016.
The petition outlined the sequence of events, starting from Mrs. Aderonke’s purchase of the land from Alhaji Moroof Owonla, alias Kaka, in 2012. Despite erecting fences and gates, she discovered upon her return from medical treatment abroad in 2014-2016 that the land had been sold to a third party without her consent. Efforts to address the issue with Kaka proved futile, as the property was subsequently sold to Kunle Poly, who allegedly resorted to intimidation tactics, including physical assault on Mrs. Aderonke’s agent.
Furthermore, the petition highlighted instances of police involvement, with officers allegedly siding with the accused parties. Mrs. Aderonke’s attempts to negotiate a peaceful resolution were met with resistance, as Kunle Poly reportedly continued construction activities on the disputed land, surrounded by thugs and police personnel.
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In response to the petition, the Lagos State government, through the Attorney-General’s office, acknowledged receipt and assured Mrs. Aderonke of prompt action. The petitioner’s lawyer was instructed to provide additional documentation, including a verifying affidavit and the residential addresses of the alleged encroachers, in accordance with the Lagos State Properties Protection Law, 2016.
The government’s response, signed by Rukayat Shomade, Coordinator of the Lagos State Special Task Force/Land Grabber, emphasized the commitment to combating land grabbing activities and maintaining peace and order in the state.
As Mrs. Aderonke awaits further developments, her case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by property owners in Lagos State and the importance of robust legal frameworks to address such disputes.