By ADEKUNLE WILLIAMS

The Lagos State House of Assembly has passed a resolution to hold a public hearing on addressing the problem of land grabbing and forceful occupation of properties in the state.

The House resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion on matters of urgent public importance by Mr Kazeem Olayinka (APC-Mushin II) during plenary on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the state government had enacted a law to prohibit forceful entry and illegal occupation of landed properties, as well as violent and fraudulent conducts, relating to landed properties in the state.

Olayinka urged the state government on the need for stronger enforcement of the extant laws relating to land grabbing.

He said the planned stakeholders’ meeting would be all-encompassing involving the state government, the police, the judiciary, traditional rulers and others.

Speaking, the Speaker of the House, Mr Mudashiru Obasa (APC-Agege I) said land grabbing had become “a serious issue that is beyond disturbing. It is chaotic”.

He added: “Many people have been killed, some maimed and some locked up without trial just because of the existence of some people who have turned themselves to land grabbers.

“I wonder how somebody would just invade people’s properties and still exude such boldness and confidence, kill the owner or bring police.

“I have seen cases where land speculators write petitions and with the connivance of security officials, the real owners of the properties were arrested.

“The owners were taken to Abuja and forced to sign undertakings that would bar them from the same land they bought from their toiling.”

The speaker alleged that land grabbers often attack new and developing areas such as Ikorodu, Epe, Ojo and others.

The Speaker also urged the state government to consider commensurate compensations for land owners whose properties were taken over in overriding public interest.

Obasa said land was a source of wealth for its owners, tasking the state government on adequate compensation for owners of acquired properties.

In his contribution, Mr Gbolahan Yishawu (APC-Eti-Osa II) stressed the importance of focusing on the enforcement of the law against land grabbing.

Yishawu urged the establishment of a dedicated agency to effectively handle cases.

Meanwhile, the House has commiserated with the Olubadan-in-council over the demise of Oba Lekan Balogun, the 42nd Olubadan.

The House also condoled the Nigerian Army over the killing of its personnel in Delta.

The lawmakers held a minute silence in honour of the departed while the speaker directed the Clerk, Mr Olalekan Onafeko, to send a condolence letter each to the Olubadan-in-council and the Nigerian Army. (NAN)

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