Family protests activities of land-grabber, abduction of kinswoman in Lagos

 

The Oni-Orisan chieftaincy family of Epe, Lagos State, has protested the activities of an alleged land grabber in the Epe area of the state.

The family said the matter, which pertains to the ‘propriety right’ of a piece of land measuring 1.560 hectares, which ownership belongs to the family, had led to the abduction of one of its kinswomen, Chief Modupe Damazio.

In a statement, yesterday, by Damazio, who is also the Olori-ebi of the Oni-Orisan family, she said the chieftaincy title in the area was issued by the Lagos State Gazette No 47 Vol. 40 of June 18, 2007, which was further affirmed by the Lagos State High Court in suit No. M/762/2011.

According to the statement, based on its ownership right and to bring development to the community, the family entered a Joint Venture Development agreement for a part of the land with 2B5M (NIG) LTD, a property development owned by Aare Bashir Fakorede, a notable businessman and real estate developer.

The statement added that in a twist of events, a premeditated land tussle was orchestrated against the Oni-Orisan chieftaincy family to frustrate the joint venture agreement by one Mr Saheed Mosadoluwa (also known as ‘Ibile’), who through his company, encroached on the land and usurped the family’s ownership and control.

He was said to have erected illegal structures, threatened representatives of the family and warned members of the public not to come near the land or deal with the family or its Joint Venture partner.

The statement further noted that instead of responding to the illegal and provoking moves, the Oni-Orisan family returned to court to reaffirm their ownership and validate the judgment of March 29, 2012.

The family added: “To ensure the judgment of the court was not frustrated, the family, acting on reports of armed hoodlums occupying the land, on July 22, 2024, reported the incident to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Zone 2 Command in Onikan, Lagos State.

“Following an on-site visit on July 22, 2024, the hoodlums attacked and abducted Chief Modupe Damazio, the Olori-ebi of Oni-Orisan chieftaincy family, and another member of the family, attacked the police officer attached to them and destroyed their personal effects and belongings. The police eventually intervened, leading to the release of the abducted individuals and arrest of the hoodlums.”

The family said they were determined to protect their ancestral land and ensure that justice prevails.