By Obinna Uballa
The Lagos State Government’s recent decision to declare 176 estates in the Eti-Osa, Epe, Ibeju-Lekki and Ajah axis “illegal” has sparked renewed debate, with some Igbo leaders including a member of the House of Representatives, Hon Obi Aguocha, from Abia state and Chief Goddy Uwazurike, a prominent Igbo leader, alleging victimisation against their communities.
The announcement, made last Monday by the Permanent Secretary in the Office of Physical Planning, Oluwole Sotire, stated that the affected estates lacked layout approvals from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development. Developers and owners were given a 21-day deadline to submit documents for processing such approvals.
The New Diplomat reports that while officials describe the move as a straightforward regulatory action, it comes amid lingering ethnic and political tensions in Lagos, prompting some stakeholders to raise concern over the motives.
Recall that Lagos state has in recent time witnessed controversies over street renamings, demolitions in areas many regard as largely Igbo populations such as Oshodi-Isolo and Amuwo-Odofin, and disputes about property rights.
Hon. Obi Aguocha, who represents Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency of Abia State described the development as part of “systemic discrimination” against Igbos in Lagos State and elsewhere. In a weekend statement, he warned that silence from Igbo leaders could cost the community “everything.”
Aguocha alleged that political and community actors in Lagos have sought to undermine constitutionally guaranteed rights of Igbos to live and own property anywhere in Nigeria. He cited instances of Igbo street names being replaced, properties branded “illegal” and demolished, and Certificates of Occupancy threatened with revocation, alongside the disenfranchisement of Igbo voters during the 2023 elections.
“This so-called ‘host community’ mantra is now being weaponised against our people,” he said. “We must confront these threats head-on before it is too late.”
On his part, Robert Okoroji, a prominent lawyer, alleged that the latest move by the state government is a further demonstration of efforts to whittle down the Igbo economy in Lagos.
“I have been in real estate litigation, and I have access to grapevine intelligence.”
Okoroji claimed that approvals were legitimately obtained for many Lekki-axis estates now being declared illegal.
“The majority of property owners there are Igbo. What they want is to put ab rail line through that area. Under our land laws, a governor can take any land, citing overriding public interest. Even with a Certificate of Occupancy, it can be cancelled, and if the compensation isn’t adequate, they tell you to go to court. But who controls the courts?”
“They will say it’s about building a railway, but it’s also about downgrading Igbo real estate holdings. This is an economic war, but our people don’t see it. It’s like rodents running around unaware that a snake is waiting to swallow them. Do you know how many court cases have been filed over Trade Fair, Aspanda, and Alaba? Yet they’re still determined to take them. People are even moving to Ogun State to buy land, without realizing the patterns.”
However, some Igbo leaders have taken a more cautious view. Senior lawyer and president of the Cultural Credibility Development Initiative (CCDI), Chief Goddy Uwazurike, questioned the idea that hundreds of estates could exist without the knowledge of the state authorities.
“It is surprising to hear that an estate is illegal,” he said. “People from different ethnic backgrounds buy property in these estates. What I find hard to believe is that you can develop an estate in Lagos without the authorities knowing.”
Uwazurike noted that in communities like Amuwo-Odofin, Okota and Festac, residents invested in reclaiming swampy land and building infrastructure before government intervention, only to later face demolitions. He argued that government inspections are frequent and that any irregularities should be traced to officials who issued questionable approvals, rather than punishing homeowners who borrowed and scraped to build.
“In the Lekki–Ajah corridor, some developers received large tracts from the government itself, with formal approvals. If they now call those estates illegal, maybe they’re just creating jobs for the boys,” he said.
This development is coming against the background of unending controversy. last week, the Yoruba Elders Progressive Council (YEPC) issued a communiqué titled, Our Land, Our Identity: Lagos State Government Must Act Before We’re Made Strangers at Home, warning against “false historical narratives” about Lagos’ ownership. The group stated, “Lagos is not a no-man’s-land. It is the ancestral land of the Yoruba, particularly the Awori and Isheri peoples. We welcome all Nigerians to live, trade, and prosper here, but ownership must be respected.”
However, political analyst and clergyman Dr. Bolaji O. Akinyemi criticised the stance, calling it “selective history” that risks stoking division. “Economic stake-holding brings a form of ownership – not in land, but in destiny. The spirit of Lagos is enterprise and inclusivity. The moment we start drawing ethnic boundaries, we weaken what makes it great,” he said.
However, some stakeholders see bureaucratic lapses and developers misconduct as contributing factors to the issues. A Lagos based lawyer, Oladipupo Ajayi noted that some residents in the affected estates have building permits but not estate approvals, pointing to a lack of coordination between state agencies. “If developers use the window for regularisation, it doesn’t have to mean a total loss of investment,” he said.
For now, with the deadline ticking and accusations and counter accusations deepening, the controversy over Lagos’ “illegal estates” lingers.
