Kunle Adelabu
-Adeboruwa thanks LASG, urges payment for remaining others
Lagos State executive governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday presented over ₦3 billion as compensation to over 300 residents whose land and properties were acquired for strategic road infrastructure projects across the state.
Sanwo-Olu at the presentation said that the exercise was in line with his administration’s commitment to ensuring that development is pursued with fairness, justice and respect for the rights of citizens.
Beneficiaries were residents of Badagry, Epe, Ikorodu, Igbogbo and Ogba. About 140 of them that were presented cheques at the presentation ceremony held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, were residents of Igbogbo, who have waited for about nine years.
Sanwo – Olu said that while the government has the constitutional authority under the Land Use Act to acquire land for overriding public interest, it also has a legal and moral obligation to compensate affected property owners promptly and transparently.
“Today we have gathered not merely to present compensation cheques, but to reaffirm a principle that lies at the heart of responsible governance: that development must always have a human face,” he said.
He explained that every parcel of land acquired represents people’s lives, livelihoods and personal stories, pointing out that the government remains committed to recognising and protecting those interests.
According to him, the compensation was a right rather than an act of charity, adding that, “It is not charity; it is justice. It is not a favour; it is your right. Progress that overlooks people cannot endure, and development that ignores justice cannot command public trust.”
According to the governor, all beneficiaries were verified through a rigorous process involving enumeration, valuation by professional estate surveyors and confirmation of title documents to ensure that only legitimate property owners received compensation.
The governor assured that the acquired lands would be used for strategic road projects aimed at improving connectivity, reducing travel time, facilitating commerce and stimulating economic growth across Lagos.
He thanked the affected residents for their cooperation and understanding.
“Your sacrifice is acknowledged, your contribution is appreciated, and your partnership in the development of Lagos State will never be taken for granted,” he said.
The governor advised beneficiaries to make prudent use of the funds by investing wisely, securing their families and rebuilding their lives, adding that officials of the Lagos State Lands Bureau would provide necessary guidance and documentation support where required.
He also assured property owners whose compensation is still being processed that no genuine claim would be abandoned, urging them to remain patient as the exercise continues in line with due process.
He warned against attempts to manipulate the compensation process through fraudulent claims, saying the government’s verification mechanisms would expose impostors.
He commended officials of the Lagos State Lands Bureau, estate surveyors, land surveyors, engineers, town planners, community leaders and other stakeholders for ensuring that the exercise was conducted professionally and transparently.
“We are not simply acquiring land to build infrastructure; we are building trust and laying the foundation for the Lagos of tomorrow. Together, we shall continue to build a Greater Lagos that works for everyone,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, His Royal Majesty, Oba Semiudeen Kasali, has expressed appreciation over the payment of compensation to residents of his kingdom.
Oba Kasali who spoke with journalists at his palace noted,
”it’s a big relief that people are getting their long overdue compensation. It was a thing of joy to me that I had to quickly attend the event despite the fact that we are having an activity going on in the palace.
”I must thank Mr. Governor for his magnanimity to see that the large chunk of people that were compensated today, came from Igbogbo over the construction of Igbogbo/Bola Ahmed Tinubu/ Igbe Lara Road.”
He appealed to the Governor to ensure that remaining residents who are equally affected are paid their own compensations.
”We will continue to appeal to the Lagos State Government to clear the backlog that remains. I believe it will not be too much to pay because the figure has drastically reduced after today’s payment.
”We thank God, and we thank Mr. Governor and the staff of the Lagos State Land Bureau under the leadership of the Permanent Secretary, our own Mr. Kamal Damilola Olowoshago.”
The Governor had in June 2021 and March 2022, paid compensation to some of the affected residents in Ikorodu and Igbogbo.
