Member representing Epe Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Segun Olulade, has said that the anti-land grabbing law signed by the state Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday, will no doubt bring relief to every resident of the state.
Speaking through a statement issued on Tuesday, Olulade who is the Chairman, House Committee on Health Services, pointed out that with this new law in place, residents of the state can possess landed property without any fear from land grabbers, popularly known as “omo onile”.
The lawmaker explained the new law will surely allow for punishment of anybody found guilty of forcible land takeover as such person will be liable to 10 years imprisonment upon conviction.
Speaking further, Olulade stated that that the Properties Protection law would go a long way in curbing the illegal activities of omo oniles and their sponsors, whom according to him, are sometimes respectable persons in the society.
“The Governor is concerned about the well-being of every Lagosian and that is why he took this law as a priority and had to sign it with urgency. This law would address so many atrocities committed by land grabbers in the state. It would also address the issue of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) because 60 per cent of C of O are fake. This is part of the anomalies the law will correct.
“We all know that in Lagos State, land is our major resource. It is our petrol compared to oil producing states in the country. Therefore, nothing will be too much to protect its sanctity.
“This law will also take care of land agents who parade themselves and seize landed properties illegally without recourse to the law. The law would prevent omo onile from potential buyer(s) who are usually harassed and intimidated before and during construction work,” the statement read in part.
He further explained that the law would prevent anyone, who without lawful authority, uses or threatens violence for the purpose of securing entry into any landed property for himself or for any other person.
While assuring residents of the state that the executive arm of the state would ensure the prompt implementation of the law, Olulade, thereafter, commended the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa and his colleagues in the House, for passing the bill into law, noting that Lagosians would forever remain grateful to us.
SIGNED
Hon. Segun Olulade (Epe Const. II)
Chairman, House Committee on Health Services,
Lagos State House of Assembly
