Kuje-Amuwo Family Slams FHA for Demolishing Houses, Reselling Properties Despite Court Order
The centenarian head of the Kuje-Amuwo Family, Alh Chief Imam Mustapha Akanni Akinlolu, has made an impassioned appeal to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in their ongoing land dispute with the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).
Akinlolu, who is the elder brother of the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akinlolu, expressed his concerns during an interview with news reporters.
He alleged that the FHA had begun taking over their ancestral land even though there is a pending court case regarding the ownership and management of the property.
Akinlolu described the FHA’s actions as unjust and a violation of the rule of law, directly infringing on the rights of the family.
“The land of our ancestors is not just a piece of property; it represents our heritage, our livelihood, and our history. For the Federal Housing Authority to proceed with this encroachment, despite the matter being sub judice, is not only disrespectful but also unlawful. The Kuje-Amuwo Family has long claimed ownership of the land, which has been in our possession for generations,” he stated.
On the other hand, the FHA contended that the land was necessary for federal housing development, intensifying tensions between the two parties.
Read Also: Festac Demolition: Residents Get Restraining Order Against Fed Housing Authority
Mr Shehu Ariyo, the Secretary of the Kuje-Amuwo Family, also appealed to the presidency, the Inspector General of Police, and the Police Service Commission for intervention to bring peace to the community.
He accused the FHA of reselling demolished houses to new occupants, despite a restraining order under suit ID/7397GCM/2023.
Ariyo mentioned that a petition had been submitted to the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) against the Area Commander of the Nigerian Police Force, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Egburuaja Nwachukwu, alleging his personal involvement in the land dispute currently under litigation.
“The matter is before a court of competent jurisdiction, yet ACP Nwachukwu’s involvement has escalated tensions and compromised the integrity of the judicial process. It is essential for all parties to allow the courts to determine the rightful ownership of the land.
“The land in question is located at 6th Avenue, Festac Town Extension, Lagos. Our president is a man of justice, and we are imploring him to stand with us in defending our heritage and ensuring that the rule of law prevails.”
Ariyo further claimed that the area commander’s actions have caused distress to affected parties, disrupted the peaceful resolution of the dispute, and damaged the reputation of the Nigerian Police as an impartial law enforcement agency.
He urged the Police Service Commission to investigate the allegations against Nwachukwu, enforce disciplinary measures to prevent further interference and restore public confidence by upholding the rule of law.
