The Lagos State House of Assembly has taken a bold step towards resolving a longstanding land dispute in the Ibeju-Lekki area, following a formal petition submitted by members of the Lepia Community. Acting under the instruction of the Speaker, Rt Hon Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, the House Committee on Rules and Business, led by the Majority Leader, Hon Noheem Adams and supported by Hon. Otunba Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode and others, visited the affected community on Wednesday, 16th July, 2025.
The visit was in response to a petition titled:
"Petition by Lepia Community in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Against Unlawful Acquisition of Their Ancestral Lands Measuring Approximately One Thousand, One Hundred and Thirty-Five (1135.086) Acres by the Lagos State Government Without Notice or Compensation as Required by the Land Use Act (as Amended)."
During the inspection, Hon. Ogundipe and other committee members met with concerned stakeholders, including traditional leaders, affected families, and local government representatives. The purpose of the visitation was to gather firsthand information and assess the facts surrounding the allegations of unlawful land acquisition by the Lagos State Government.
“We are here with the Majority Leader on the directive of the Mr Speaker to listen to the grievances of the Lepia Community and to ascertain the facts on the ground,” Hon. Ogundipe stated. “Our goal is not to apportion blame at this stage but to ensure due process is followed and the rights of the people, as enshrined in the Land Use Act, are not violated.”
Members of the Lepia Community expressed deep concern over what they described as the forceful acquisition of their ancestral lands without prior consultation or compensation. They called on the House of Assembly to intervene and ensure justice is served.
Hon. Ogundipe assured the community that the House Committee would compile a comprehensive report of their findings and present it before the Assembly for further legislative action. He also reiterated the commitment of the Lagos State House of Assembly to fairness, transparency, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
The Committee’s intervention signals the Lagos State House of Assembly’s increasing role in mediating disputes between government agencies and local communities, especially in light of rising tensions over land use and development in the Ibeju-Lekki axis, an area rapidly transforming into a major industrial and real estate hub.
The facts finding delegations included Hon Bonu Sannu, Badagry-01, LSHA Secretariat, Ministry of Lands, representative of office of the Surveyor General, NTDA .
Further developments are expected as the Committee continues its investigation and engages relevant government agencies involved in the matter.
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