Elegushi to take over disputed Otodo Gbame land

End appears to be in sight for the festering violence rocking Otodo Gbame community in Ikate, Eti-Osa Local Council of Lagos State, as the Elegushi Royal Family has resolved to execute the court ruling ordering it to take possession of the land in dispute and make proper use of it.

According to a statement from the royal family, signed by its Secretary, Chief Muritala Elegushi, the decision was borne out of the abuse of rights of lease earlier granted the residents of the community, as the slum-community has constituted both security and health threats to the neighbouring settlements.

He noted that the recent violence that broke out in the community, with several casualties and property destroyed, was a product of an internal wrangling among the residents, which has nothing to do with neither the family nor the state government.

Going down memory lane, Elegushi said the family had granted the occupiers the opportunity to inhabit the place due to their fishing business, but the opportunity has been abused, “as they now lay claim to the land and pledge their loyalty to Badagry without any historical facts to back their claims.”