The groups sue Ogun State Government, alleging illegal land evictions and sales. N200 million in damages sought for affected families.
[dropcap]V[/dropcap]arious Egba groups, including Egba Descendants Associations, have initiated a class action lawsuit against the Ogun State Government, alleging illegal eviction, wrongful demolition, and the sale of private family lands.
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The lands, which were reportedly acquired under the guise of public interest, have been sold to private individuals and business entities, according to the claimants.
The legal representation for the Egba groups, NJS Partners, filed the lawsuit on 5th October 2024.
The legal action is spearheaded by several Egba organisations, including the Egba Intelligentsia Group, Agenda ’27, and Egba Descendants Associations in the United Kingdom, United States, and across Europe.
These groups have accused the state government of disregarding their previous warnings concerning the land acquisitions.
The suit stated that the land in question was originally seized by the Ogun State Government under claims of overriding public interest but was later sold to private individuals and companies, violating well-established legal principles.
The legal representatives cited several landmark cases to support their claims, including Alhaji Bello vs. The Diocesan Synod of Lagos and Goldmark Nigeria Ltd & Ors vs. Ibafon Co. Ltd & Ors, which emphasise that lands acquired for public purposes cannot be transferred to private entities.
In their legal filing, the Egba groups seek an injunction to prevent further development on the disputed lands and demand the cancellation of the sales.
Furthermore, the plaintiffs are seeking N200 million in damages for each affected family, asserting that the wrongful sales and demolitions have caused irreparable harm to the original landowners and former occupants.
According to the suit, the Ogun State Government and its officials have 14 days to respond to the notice, or the lawsuit will proceed.
The claimants also assert that the suit is being filed as a pro bono community service by NJS Partners in the interest of justice, fairness, and the rule of law.
The lawsuit reflects deep-seated grievances within the Egba community, particularly regarding land rights and the actions of the Ogun State Government.
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With prominent Egba figures and groups backing the legal action, the case has garnered significant attention within the region.
The Egba groups are pursuing several remedies, including:
- A perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from taking possession or continuing construction on the disputed lands.
- An order nullifying the sale of the lands to private entities.
- N200 million in damages for each affected family.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator and a recipient of the D9112 Superstar Icon Award, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
