The centenarian head of the Kuje-Amuwo Family, Mr Mustapha Akinlolu, has made a passionate appeal to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in their ongoing land battle against Federal Housing Authority, (FHA).
Akinlolu, elder brother to the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akinlolu made the appeal in an interview with newsmen on Wednesday.
The family head alleged that the FHA had commenced the takeover of their ancestral land despite a pending court case concerning the ownership and management of the property.
He expressed his deep concern over what he described as an unjust act that disregarded the rule of law which trampled on the rights of the people.
According to him, the land has been under dispute with legal proceedings ongoing at the Ikeja High Court and that the FHA’s actions amount to a breach of due process.
“The land of our ancestors is not just a piece of property; it represents our heritage, our livelihood and our history.
“For the Federal Housing Authority to proceed with this encroachment inspite the matter being subjudice is not only disrespectful but also unlawful.
“The Kuje Amuwo Family has long claimed ownership of the land, which has been in our possession for generations,”he said.
However, the FHA argued that the land was required for federal housing development, raising tensions between the two parties.
The Secretary to Kuje Amuwo Family, Mr Shehu Ariyo, also pleaded with the presidency, inspector general of police and police service commission to intervene in the land dispute and bring peace to the community.
He alleged that the demolished houses were being resold to new persons by FHA despite the restraining order in suit ID/7397GCM/2023.
Ariyo said that petition has been submitted to the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) against the Area Commander of the Nigerian Police Force, Area E Command, Festac, Lagos, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Egburuaja Nwachukwu.
He alleged the area commander of personal involvement in the land dispute currently under litigation.
“The matter is currently before a court of competent jurisdiction, yet ACP Nwachukwu’s involvement has escalated tensions and compromised the integrity of the judicial process.
“It is critical for all parties to allow the courts to determine the rightful ownership of the land.
“The land in question is located at 6th Avenue, Festac Town Extension, Lagos.
“Our president is a man of justice and we are imploring him to stand with us in defending our heritage and ensuring that the rule of law prevails.”
Ariyo alleged the area commander’s actions have caused distress to affected parties, disrupted the peaceful resolution of the dispute and damaged the image of the Nigerian Police as an impartial law enforcement body.
He urged the Police Service Commission to investigate the allegations against Nwachukwu, enforce disciplinary measures to ensure he refrains from further interference and restore public confidence by upholding the rule of law.
