Sanwo-Olu Allocates Land To 98 Communities In Eti-Osa, Warns Against Racketeering

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has presented land allocation letters to 98 indigenous communities within the Ito Omu project area in Eti-Osa Local Government Area, warning their leaders against the temptation to convert the allocations into a land-selling racket.

The governor, who spoke during the presentation of Land Allocation letters to 98 villages within Ito-Omu and other communities, assured residents that the state government is committed to ensuring that development does not displace long-established settlements.

The allocation, which covers Ito Omu and adjoining communities along the Eti-Osa, Ibeju-Lekki, and Epe growth corridors, is part of the state’s efforts to integrate indigenous settlements into its long-term physical development plan.

Sanwo-Olu described the exercise as a major milestone in recognising communities with deep historical roots in the area and securing their place in Lagos’ future development.

The governor pointed out that the communities have contributed significantly to the social, cultural and economic life of Lagos through fishing, farming, trading and other traditional occupations.

“This is not an opportunity to start selling land illegally. We must stop the mistakes that were made before. Let us see real development coming into this neighbourhood. Let us see good road networks, drainage infrastructure, bridges and jetties. Let us create real value,” he said.

According to him, the government began consultations in 2020 with traditional rulers, Baales, community leaders, religious leaders and residents, followed by detailed mapping, site inventory surveys and the preparation of a comprehensive development plan through the Lagos State New Towns Development Authority.

He said,” This is an opportunity. The allocation letters represent more than official documents; they also serve as formal recognition of the communities and an assurance that they will not be left behind as development expands across the Lekki-Ibeju-Lekki axis.

“The future of Lagos cannot be built on unplanned expansion. It must be built on deliberate planning, appropriate infrastructure, secure communities and opportunities for our people to prosper,” he said.

He explained that the development plan would guide residential, commercial, industrial, institutional and recreational land uses, enabling the provision of infrastructure, attraction of investment and improvement in residents’ quality of life, assuring beneficiaries that the state government would continue to invest in roads, bridges, drainage systems, social infrastructure and water transportation facilities, including plans to develop the Ito Omu Water Jetty to improve connectivity in the area.

Sanwo-Olu added that the government’s vision is to transform Ito Omu into a major development hub comparable to, and potentially surpassing, the growth witnessed in Lekki.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Lands Bureau, Mr Kamar Olowoshago, said the presentation fulfilled the state government’s commitment to ensure that host communities remain direct beneficiaries of development projects within the corridor.

According to him, the allocation followed extensive stakeholder engagement and demonstrated the government’s determination to involve indigenous communities in its development agenda.