CHSR Raises Alarm Over Owode Onirin Land Crisis, Traders Plight
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has raised an alarm over the activities of suspected land grabbers and fraudulent agents attempting to sell acres of land at Weighbridge, Owode, along Ikorodu Road, Lagos State, despite the ongoing litigation concerning the property.
The group also urged the public to refrain from purchasing disputed land in the Owode Onirin area.
At a press conference on Friday in Lagos, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, President of CHSR in Lagos, called on the Lagos State Government, the State House of Assembly, and relevant security agencies to intervene immediately. He emphasized the need for compliance with a subsisting court order to protect the socio-economic rights and livelihoods of the Owode Onirin Motor Spare Parts marketers.
Omotehinse demanded the immediate withdrawal of thugs stationed on the disputed land, who have been intimidating and threatening traders in the Owode market.
He stated, “The affected land has long been in the lawful possession of the Owode Onirin Motor Spare Parts marketers, who built their shops on the site after being relocated from Jankara Market by the late Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande.”
The ownership of the land is currently contested in Suit No: ID/1757/1994 B.I. Olowu (Judgment Creditor/Respondent) vs. Somolu Local Government & Kosofe Local Government (Judgment Debtors/Respondents), filed before the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja Judicial Division.
On June 2, 2025, the matter was heard before Hon. Justice M.A. Savage. After submissions by Femi Falana, SAN, counsel for the claimant, the court issued an order for parties to maintain the status quo regarding the disputed land.
“Despite this valid court order, the land grabbers, allegedly using the instruments of the State Government, have demolished over 1,000 spare parts shops belonging to the marketers,” he said.
“We have reliably gathered that despite the matter still pending in court with the status quo order, the defendants have mobilized thugs to intimidate and torment the legitimate traders at Owode Motor Spare Parts Market.”
The CHSR warned the general public against entering into any financial transactions for the purchase, lease, or acquisition of the said plots of land, or any structures erected thereon by the defendants or their agents, regardless of the name or front they may use, pending the determination of the matter in court.”
A formal notice of dispute over the land has been lodged at the Lagos State Lands Registry, which will trigger a query during any legitimate verification process.
Giving some background on the issue, he said on March 10, 2025, the marketers petitioned both the Lagos State Government and the Lagos State House of Assembly, seeking intervention against the incessant harassment, assault, and property demolition by land grabbers.
After receiving no response for 17 days from either Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu or the State Assembly, the marketers staged a peaceful protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly on March 27, 2025, where they submitted a protest letter.
On May 13, 2025, a second press conference was held to highlight the deteriorating conditions of many marketers, some of whom were bedridden due to torture and beatings inflicted by land grabbers under the watch of certain operatives of the Nigeria Police.
Omotehinse reiterated that CHSR, as a reputable human rights organization, alongside the Owode Onirin Motor Spare Parts Association, remains committed to pursuing this matter through legal and peaceful means, ensuring that no Nigerian falls victim to fraudulent schemes.
