Comm Alebiosu Tells How Lagos Resolved 10-Year Land Dispute, Saved Over 200 From Eviction

In a remarkable demonstration of responsive and people-centered leadership, the Lagos State Government has successfully resolved a land dispute that had persisted for more than a decade in the Okun-Ajah and Mayegun communities.

At a Ministerial press briefing held on Tuesday in Alausa, the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dayo Alebiosu, disclosed that the long-standing conflict — which jeopardized the homes and livelihoods of hundreds of residents within government land schemes — was peacefully resolved through the compassionate and visionary intervention of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.

According to Alebiosu, the breakthrough came via a bold regularisation initiative driven by the Governor’s commitment to inclusive governance. The move spared over 200 allottees from forced eviction and loss of property, offering a legal pathway to remain on their land.

“What we have achieved is a powerful reflection of Mr. Governor’s philosophy — that governance must prioritize people, their dignity, and their future. Rather than demolish homes, we engaged stakeholders in dialogue and found a lawful solution,” Alebiosu stated.

He explained that many of the affected individuals had unknowingly settled on government-owned land, triggering years of legal ambiguity and tension. However, instead of opting for mass demolitions, the government, through the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, implemented a humane accommodation strategy. This allowed the settlers to regularise their documents and remain on the land legally.

The Commissioner emphasized the emotional and economic relief this decision brought to the allottees. Families were spared displacement, businesses were preserved, and community stability was maintained — outcomes that sparked widespread appreciation from beneficiaries.

Several recipients who have already received their electronic survey documents expressed joy and gratitude, praising the Sanwo-Olu-led administration for fulfilling its promise and restoring their confidence in government processes.

This resolution not only restores security and peace in the affected areas but also aligns with the Governor’s broader urban development vision — one that harmonizes growth with empathy.

“This is more than a resolution,” Alebiosu noted. “It is a clear signal that in Lagos, people matter. Development will never be pursued at the cost of human dignity.”

The peaceful outcome is expected to serve as a model for resolving land disputes across the state, reinforcing Lagos’s reputation as a leader in progressive and humane urban governance.