INVESTIGATIONS! OLOTO NEVER SOLD OTUMARA; COMMUNITY’S CUSTOMARY TENANCY LACKS LEGAL BACKING
By Bolaji Israel
THECONSCIENCENG reports that prominent Lagos lawyer, property consultant, community leader, and attorney to the Oloto Royal Family of Lagos, Aare Tomori Williams, has provided insights into the recent demolition of the Ilaje Otumara community in the Ebutte Meta West area of Lagos.
The community experienced a large-scale demolition by the Lagos State Government’s agency, the Lagos Building Control Agency (LASBCA), during an early morning operation last Friday, which resulted in the displacement of numerous residents.
This prompted reactions from the affected residents, who voiced concerns over alleged short notices and other difficulties.
But during a fact-finding visit by journalists to his office on Friday, Aare Tomori stated that there is substantial evidence indicating that the demolition was justified and adhered to established procedures, including multiple notifications from LASBCA and the state ministry of physical planning.
He also mentioned that the government had discussions with the settlers regarding compensation and made moves to make the process as smooth as possible.
In response to allegations of land grabbing by the settlers of the demolished community, Williams made significant revelations supported by historical records.
He disclosed that the Otumara land belongs to the Oloto Royal Family and was never sold to anyone. He clarified that the land was granted for fishing purposes by Oloto to the Ilajes, who represent less than ten percent of the settlers prior to the demolition.
He emphasized that the customary tenancy of the settlers lacks legal backing, as there are no records from the relevant authorities to substantiate their claims of legitimate tenancy.
Otumara Community, A Hideout for Criminals
In justifying the State Government’s decision to demolish the Otumara community, LASBCA stated that the area had become a haven for miscreants.
The agency’s general manager, Gbolahan Oki asserted that all necessary and statutory notices were served to the affected occupants.
He further explained that due process was followed in the demolition of makeshift structures, shanties, and illegally developed buildings in Otumara within the Lagos Mainland Local Government Area (LGA).
Oki noted that the removal of these illegal structures was imperative, as they had consistently served as hideouts for individuals engaging in illicit activities that threaten the safety and security of the entire area and neighboring communities, cautioning that such behavior would not be tolerated by the state government.
He stressed that many of the illegal structures were in a precarious state, posing a risk to lives if swift action was not taken.
Otumara Belongs to Oloto; Government Development In Order – Aare Williams
Similarly, Williams expressed concern that prior to the demolition, Otumara community was overrun by urchins and criminal elements, with shanties pervasive throughout the area. Consequently, any initiative by a responsible government to redevelop the community is welcomed.
He added that while the government requested the settlers to submit their names and valid documents to qualify for compensation, they did not respond, likely due to the absence of such documentation. This lack of legitimate documents also hindered their ability to pursue legal action.
He reiterated that adequate notices were provided by government agencies to the community before the demolition.
“It was stated that LASBCA marked the demolished area in Otumara before commencing the exercise, and I am pleased this has been acknowledged.”
“I possess evidence that LASBCA marked the site. LASBCA is the Lagos State Government agency responsible for such actions.”
“LASBCA issued two notices. While I am not speaking on behalf of LASBCA, I aim to clarify some misconceptions and misinformation that have been circulated. Initially, I remained silent as I considered it a non-issue, but it is crucial to set the record straight.”
“As the attorney to the Oloto Royal Family, I fully support the development. However, if the government undertakes such actions, they need assistance to ensure everything proceeds smoothly and peacefully; that is my involvement.”
“The government adhered to the established rules of engagement prior to the demolition. Notices were served, and meetings were held. Residents approached LASBCA, the physical planning ministry, and the governor’s and speaker’s offices, as well as some law enforcement agencies.”
“I had no personal involvement in the decision-making process. They did not come to me, nor did we interact.”
“There was no question of land grabbing. Would a usurper refer to an owner as a land grabber? Discussions about land grabbing would arise only if a legitimate owner lost their property to someone else.”
“In my profession, I provide a face, a voice, and a full representation. In this community and in Lagos State, I have a reputation. Therefore, I am unsure what they are referring to.”
“I am well aware that during the notification process, the Otumara community engaged with government officials. If the government had ignored their correspondence, it might have suggested ulterior motives, but the government engaged with them to offer support.”
“The Oloto Royal Family is the customary owner of all land in Ebutte Meta, to limit it to that. The Otumara settlers are Ilajes; they arrived, met with Oloto, and were granted the land. Consider the proximity of that land to Oto. Remember that Olofin, the first settler in Lagos, initially settled in Ebutte Meta. The area in question is referred to as Otumara community in Ebutte Meta West, Lagos. This is Oto, where the seat of power of Olofin resides. We are discussing Oto and Otumara specifically, not Ido, Iwaya, or Shomolu. The first Baale, a son of the initial settler, Arowojolu, was appointed by Oloto. A Baale is an overseer representing the ruler in supervising community activities.”
“The second Baale, also a son of the first, holds a certificate from Oloto. Additionally, when the first Baale was to be installed, a written statement regarding ownership was provided. For administrative convenience, we decided to establish another Baaleship through Otumara II, with Chief Kehinde Kalejaiye serving as the second Baale in Otumara. If Oloto did not possess ownership or authority over the land, would they have appointed a Baale? This arrangement has persisted for a long time. Otumara was never sold; Oloto allocated the area for fishing purposes. The Otumara settlers were customary tenants, and even their customary tenancy lacks legal backing.”
“The same principles apply in Makoko, Iwaya, Sogunro, and other areas across the river. You know the narratives surrounding land settlement in Lagos. Outsiders have come in who are not Ilajes. Before the demolition, over 90% of Otumara’s inhabitants were not Ilajes, with many originating from the Eastern part of Nigeria.”
“As a property consultant, consider the former structures in Otumara: there was only one dilapidated storey building, which was disused and collapsing, while the rest were shanties. Furthermore, Otumara is under government acquisition, with the Federal Government asserting a claim to it. During the rehabilitation of the National Theatre, a collaborative effort was established between the state and federal government to regenerate surrounding communities.”
“That was the so-called engagement that one of the leaders of the disgruntled group was publicizing. However, if regeneration is taking place, for whom is it being done? Is it for the rightful owners or for illegal settlers? When you simply see land, build on it, and then place people there, these illegal settlers should be held accountable to compensate the Oloto family for depriving them of revenue and livelihood. The Oloto family is recognized as the largest land-owning family in Lagos, yet they remain among the poorest.”
“Oloto lands have been known to harbour a significant number of urchins, miscreants, armed robbers, and criminals. This was the case in the former Oko Baba and is what Otumara has become known for.”
“If the Oloto had the opportunity to work with a proactive government, one focused on the future in a state that represents the second-largest economy in Africa, would it allow such a situation to persist?”
Displaying screenshots of government notices regarding the affected property, Aare Williams asserted that if they claim no notices were issued, these documents serve as evidence to the contrary.
“This notice was posted on February 18, 2025. LASBCA initially marked the site in January. If there were no notices, why did the community approach LASBCA? Why did they meet with the Commissioner for physical planning? The first notice was issued in January by LASBCA, followed by the physical planning ministry, which also posted notices. Two notices were provided; they were duly informed.”
“We have a record of what transpired during their visit to LASBCA. They were asked to compile a list of individuals present for compensation. I understand that when they returned to compile the list, some individuals discouraged them, suggesting that creating the list would signal acceptance of an impending demolition.”
“If you do not wish for the government to demolish the area, it implies you are claiming ownership and possess documents to substantiate that claim. Yet, there was nothing.”
“Everyone should ask this question: if they possess documentation, why did they not approach the court? They should be asked to produce their title documents for the land if they have any.”
“They stated they do not want government compensation but instead seek alternative accommodation, reconstruction of the community, and its return to them for free. How does that work for the landowners? Their arguments are riddled with inconsistencies.”
“The individuals to whom Oloto initially granted the property represent less than ten percent of what Otumara has evolved into. The Kabiyesi is the Oloto of Oto and the entire mainland of Lagos, not merely the mainland local government. He is a paramount ruler, the only king who occupies the direct seat of Olofin, the first recorded settler in Lagos. This is why he is referred to as the natural ruler of Lagos, having naturally succeeded his father. These individuals simply observed unoccupied land and took it. Did they have any prior relationship with Kabiyesi Oloto before being summoned by the government days before the demolition? They did not approach him voluntarily; they were busy making false allegations of land grabbing.”
