The Lagos State House of Assembly has adopted key recommendations on the long-standing land excision issue involving Eputu Community in Ibeju-Lekki, directing the immediate issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) for affected villages.
The resolution followed the presentation of a report by the Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business, Adams Noheem, on an appeal by the community seeking government intervention.
According to the report, six villages which includes Orile Orudu, Orile Agbaje, Ogunfayo, Olumakun, Odukoya, and Oju-Oto, were granted excision approval as far back as 2014 during the administration of former governor Babatunde Fashola.
However, the process of formalising land ownership through Certificates of Occupancy and gazetting was delayed due to the community’s inability at the time to provide the required layout plan.
Findings by the committee revealed that the land has now been developed up to about 90 percent, with submitted survey plans verified as authentic by relevant authorities.
The report further established that out of the total 90 hectares of land, 75 hectares had already received excision approval, while the remaining 15 hectares covering parts of Anishere and Olumakun villages are pending regularisation.
Following deliberations, the House directed the Lagos State Lands Bureau, the Office of the State Surveyor-General, and the New Towns Development Authority to process and issue Certificates of Occupancy for the 75 hectares within one month and ensure proper gazetting.
Lawmakers also mandated that the outstanding 15 hectares be regularised accordingly to complete the documentation process.
In addition, the Assembly resolved that all official documents relating to the entire 90 hectares be titled in favour of the Ogunfayo Royal Family, in line with the approved layout and development framework.
The adoption of the committee’s recommendations now sets the stage for the formal recognition of land ownership in Eputu Community, bringing an end to years of administrative delays.
Written by Olusegun Haastrup