In a significant milestone for inclusive urban governance, the Lagos State Government has successfully resolved a protracted land dispute that spanned more than a decade in the Okun-Ajah and Mayegun communities. The resolution has secured legal tenure for over 200 affected allottees, safeguarding homes and livelihoods that had been under threat.
Speaking during the 2024 Ministerial Press Briefing held in Alausa, the Honourable Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Ekundayo Alebiosu, attributed the breakthrough to the visionary and people-centred leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
“Rather than demolish homes and uproot lives, we brought stakeholders to the table and crafted a lawful pathway for regularising occupancy,” Alebiosu said. “This process is a reflection of Mr. Governor’s belief that governance must protect people, preserve their dignity, and secure their future.”
The dispute arose from cases of unintentional encroachment by residents on state-owned land within designated government schemes. Rather than pursue mass evictions, the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development implemented a regularisation framework that allowed residents to validate their land claims and receive formal documentation.
According to Alebiosu, this strategic move not only prevented the displacement of hundreds of families but also protected small businesses and community structures that had developed in the area.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Obasi, expressed heartfelt gratitude upon receiving his electronic survey copy:
“I want to sincerely thank the Lagos State Government for fulfilling this promise. Receiving my e-survey copy today gives me great joy and renewed confidence in the process. This means a lot to me and my family.”
The Commissioner described the resolution as a model for peaceful urban conflict management and a bold statement that in Lagos, human considerations remain central to development planning.
“This isn’t just a resolution,” he noted. “It’s a message that in Lagos, people come first—and development will never come at the expense of humanity.”
The resolution is expected to serve as a benchmark for future dispute resolution and land management practices, reinforcing Lagos State’s standing as a leader in progressive urban governance in Nigeria.