The Center for Public Accountability and Social Well-being (CPASW) on Thursday, September 10, 2026, protested at the Lagos State House of Assembly, urging lawmakers to investigate alleged interference, intimidation and harassment linked to a disputed 27.65-hectare parcel of government-allocated land in the Lekki sub-region.
The organisation’s protest followed a petition it submitted to the House on August 23, seeking legislative intervention in the lingering dispute involving the Ojaekomo family, the Ojomu Chieftaincy Family and Bashiru Fakorede over land at Sapata Village, Ajiran, Eti-Osa Local Government Area.
The Lagos State House of Assembly, in a letter dated September 7 and signed by the Clerk of the House, A.A. Oshinowo, invited the Director-General of the Centre, Shola Omolola, to appear before its Committee on Rules and Business on Thursday, September 10, alongside his clients and relevant documents.
Following the invitation, the Ojaekomo family and the CSO was present at the Committee's meeting but Fakorede was absent. And his lawyer told the Committee that his client would be available on Monday, September 14. As a result of his absence, the Committee adjourned till Monday.
In its petition, the Centre said the dispute dates back several decades and concerns 60 hectares of wetland which the Ojaekomo family claimed had been excised to it by the Lagos State Government.
According to the organisation, the government granted the Ojaekomo family an excision covering 60 hectares on November 13, 2015, under Survey Plan No. LS/D/LA/3834.
It alleged that the situation later became contentious after members of the Ojomu family allegedly interfered with reclamation and development activities being undertaken by the Ojaekomo family and its contractor, Shaffykay & Co. Property Limited.
The Centre further stated that while litigation over the land was pending, the Ojomu family obtained Certificate of Occupancy No. 99/99/2022E in 2022 over the same 60-hectare wetland.
The Ojaekomo family subsequently petitioned the House of Assembly, leading to legislative consideration of the matter in 2023.
The Centre said the House, after considering the dispute, adopted a resolution dated August 3, 2023, dividing the 60 hectares between the two families.
Under the resolution, 32.42 hectares, representing 54 per cent, was allocated to the Ojomu Chieftaincy/Royal Family, while 27.65 hectares, representing 46 per cent, was allocated to the Ojaekomo family.
It said the House specifically directed that the portion allocated to the Ojaekomo family be distinctly carved out and surveyed in its name to prevent further disputes.
The organisation further claimed that the Lagos State Government subsequently revoked the earlier Certificate of Occupancy issued to the Ojomu family and took steps to implement the House resolution.
It cited an October 29, 2025 letter from the Office of the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice as confirming the implementation of the legislative resolution.
The Centre also said the Office of the Surveyor-General prepared two survey plans — LS/D/LA8451/A covering 32.42 hectares for the Ojomu Chieftaincy Family and LS/D/LA8451/B covering 27.65 hectares for the Ojaekomo family.
However, the organisation alleged that despite the government’s intervention, the dispute had continued, with members of the Ojaekomo family and their workers allegedly subjected to intimidation, harassment, arrests and interference.
It specifically accused Fakorede of allegedly deploying armed persons to the disputed property and using security agencies against members of the Ojaekomo family and their workers.
The Centre also alleged that some persons arrested in connection with the dispute had weapons planted on them by security personnel.
It acknowledged that the allegations were serious and urged the House to ensure that they were independently investigated rather than accepted without verification.
The organisation also alleged that Fakorede had claimed to have significant influence over government institutions and could reverse decisions concerning the disputed property.
It said such claims, if established, would raise questions about the integrity of government processes and the rule of law.
The Centre therefore asked the House to invite Fakorede, representatives of both families and relevant government officials to explain their positions and produce supporting documents.
It also called for verification of the 2023 House resolution, the status of the revoked Certificate of Occupancy and the authenticity of the two survey plans.
Among other demands, the organisation urged the Assembly to ensure that the 27.65-hectare portion allocated to the Ojaekomo family is clearly demarcated and protected from unlawful interference, subject to any subsisting order or determination of a competent court.
It also called for an investigation into alleged harassment, unlawful arrests, intimidation, planting of weapons and the deployment of armed persons in connection with the dispute.
The Centre urged all parties to refrain from violence, intimidation and self-help while any outstanding legal proceedings are being determined.
It maintained that its petition was not merely about a private land dispute, but also concerned the authority of government decisions, the integrity of legislative resolutions, the proper use of security agencies and the protection of citizens’ rights.
The organisation said it was seeking the intervention of the House to ensure that the 2023 resolution and subsequent actions of the Lagos State Government were respected by all parties and that the dispute was resolved peacefully and in accordance with the law.
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