Lagos Residents Appeal to Governor as Alleged Land Grabber Destroys Estate Gate

Residents of Peace Estate, located off Ago Palace Way in Okota, Lagos, have urgently called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene in what they describe as repeated violent encroachment by an alleged land grabber.

In a statement signed by the estate's executives, the community accused one Jamiu Raimi of invading the estate with thugs and police officers on January 11, 2026, and destroying the main access gate—a structure valued at ₦10 million.

A Longstanding Dispute

The conflict traces back to at least April 2022, when residents first wrote to the governor expressing concerns over Raimi’s alleged plan to build on a designated access road and drainage path. The community insists that official records from the Lagos State land registry clearly mark the area as a right-of-way, a designation supported by adjoining survey plans.

According to the residents, past attempts by Raimi to claim the land were rejected by the Lagos State High Court, which dismissed a related case he filed. The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and the Ministry of Environment have previously demolished illegal structures he erected on the same road.

Call for Government Action

The estate’s leadership emphasized that despite severe provocation, they have maintained peace and avoided self-help. Their latest appeal urges Governor Sanwo-Olu to “urgently help save our soul” by preventing further development on the access road and averting potential violence.

“Our call at this time is for you to urgently help save our soul before we lose a member of the community as a result of Mr. Jamiu’s many threat actions,” the statement read.

Broader Implications

The situation highlights ongoing challenges related to land grabbing and urban planning in rapidly developing areas of Lagos. Residents are seeking decisive government action to enforce existing regulations, protect public infrastructure, and ensure community safety.

The case remains a point of attention as stakeholders await an official response from the state government.