Lagos receives 7000 petitions on land grabbing

The Lagos State Special Task Force on land grabbers has received about 7000 petitions since it was set up in 2016.

The State government during the administration of former governor Akinwunmi Ambode in June 27, 2016 set up the task force to check the menace of land grabbers popularly known as ‘Omo-Oniles’.

Speaking during the Lagos State showcase session at just concluded Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association, Section on Public Interest and Development Law, NBA-SPIDEL, Coordinator of the agency, Miss Rukayat Shomade disclosed that out of the 7000 petitions received, about 1,500 were found to be frivolous and brought outside it’s jurisdiction.

Miss Shomade noted that the agency had successfully treated over 2,500 petitions, secured 10 convictions and recovered properties for about 17 victims .

“We are working hard to ensure that the challenge of land grabbing is eliminated totally in the state,” she said.

Earlier in her presentation, Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Titilayo Shitta-Bey-Jeje said that the state government was committed to creating people-oriented laws and policies designed to make life better for residents.

She added that the constant reform of laws in the state was to enhance the administration of Justice and access to Judiciary for all residents of the state, adding that 25 bills have been passed and signed into law under the last administration.

Miss Shitta-Bey further disclosed that the state government under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was committed to enhancing the quality of service delivery of the state judiciary by renovations of various magistrate and high court buildings across the state, noting the 10 courts have been fully digitalised, as well creating an online platform where Lagosians can visit to get all sorts of legal advice.

Also speaking at the event, Administrator-General and Public Trustee, Lagos State, Mr Jide Oduyebo stated that his agency with the aid of innovative measures have now made it easier for people to resolve issues pertaining to the administration and equitable share the assets of person(s) who die (with or without leaving a will), amongst qualified beneficiaries among it’s other functions.