Selling of Lekki property polarizes family
The Ojule descendant family, Lagos has called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to investigate the illegal activities and alleged threat to its family members over their property.
The conflict, which has resulted in multiple court cases, has worsened with some members of the family petitioning the Police and alleging that one of their own, the chairman of Ibeju Lekki Local Government, Semiu Olorunkemi Surakat is backing the illegal sell of lands.
The Ojule family of Bolorunpelu Okerekere village in Ibeju Lekki Local Government area of Lagos said they own all the vast expanse of land in the area and stated that they enjoy peaceful possession since time immemorial before the recent harassment and encroachment.
In a petition to the IGP dated May 17, 2018 and signed by Chief Rasaq Oludaisi, they alleged that Surakat in collaboration with some people threatened their lives.
Oludaisi stated that the suspects have been illegally selling off their property to unsuspected buyers without the knowledge of the family.
“The suspects have arrogantly given unto themselves, the power and right to sell off our family land without requisite backing, knowledge and consent of the legitimate owner of the land, the Ojule family.
“Attempt by our family members to caution them on this illegality has resulted in beating and assault of members of my family by armed thug of these suspects. The family presently cannot access their farmland as thugs of the suspect are stationed on the land on daily basis assaulting, molesting whoever that nears the land,” he claimed.
He therefore charged the IGP to quickly wade into the matter, “to put a check on the criminal activities of these suspect so that Ojule descendant family will not be further imperiled by the action of the suspects.”
However, when Surakat was contacted on his mobile number, he fixed appointment with the reporter twice and did not keep any.
“I will be at Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s campaign office at Ikeja GRA by 4 to 5 pm on Tuesday. Let us meet there for my own response,” he promised. Later that day, he called to say that the meeting he wanted to attend in Ikeja was called off and asked this reporter to come to his office in Lagos Island last Thursday. Unfortunately, he could not pick up his calls when this reporter went to keep the appointment and did not return the calls.
He also did not respond to a text message sent to his mobile number as at press time. But Mr. Surakat had denied the allegation of threat to life when contacted earlier by an online publication. He affirmed that there are crises over land and baaleship within his family and added that it would be resolved amicably. “I am the number one citizen of Ibeju Lekki Local Government and it is imperative that I should allow peaceful resolution of any matter. I can tell you that the family will meet and resolve the matter in a matter of time,” he had stated.
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