Residents of Federal Low Cost Housing Estate (Shagari Estate) in Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area, Alimosho, have called on Governor Sanwo-Olu and the Federal Ministry of Works to wade into the disputed Water Tank Land in the area.
They said the over two plots of land which currently had the Water Tank facility initiated during the administration of late President Alhaji Shehu Shagari was being protected and reserved for future community project in the overall interest of residents.
One of the community leaders in the area, Mr Adepoju Adewale said their demands for a lasting solution to the ownership tussle was to end recurring face off between residents and De Zenate Club which currently occupies part of the land.
He lamented that the annual crisis caused over the ownership of the Water Tank Land in Shagari Estate took a new twist last year when some hoodlums orchestrated attacks and injury inflicted on those who stood for justice on the land.
According to him and i quote “The Community about twenty five years ago gave some parts of the land to Mechanic to make use to avoid being taken over by some people.
He alleged that officials pf the Ministry of Works and Housing allocated part of the land to De Zenate Club after which the community later gave them more access to the land for access road close to ten years.
The community leader added that De Zenate Club are now demanding for more access for link road at the detriment of the community.
Mr Adewale also accused authorities at the Mosan Okunola LCDA of supporting De Zenate club as well as some top politicians in the area.
He recalled that at a point, someone from the community wanted to buy the water tank land but the community protested and kicked against it.
Speaking further, Mr Adewale explained that the Water Tank done since the government the late Alhaji Shehu Shagari has not worked for over twenty years.
He stated that in the past the filed a petition before the Lagos State Government under Fashola’s administration adding they were assigned lawyer coutesy of the current Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro who was then state counsel to pursue the case but without concrete verdict.
On their part, the Federal Housing Estate according to Mr Adewale also promised last year to ensure that the land was not taken over from the community.
In a swift reaction, the President of De Zenate Club, Mr Moruf Edun said there was no truth in the allegation that the Club intends to take over the land from the community.
He however said that the community is fully aware of their request for access road from the club to link the main road in the area.
On his part, the Secretary to Mosan Okunola LCDA, Hon Ayo Omolade explained that the council has no hand in what is going on the Water Tank land.
According to him, there was no reason for any dispute in the land since it belongs to the Federal Ministry of Works with a Water Tank facilitated by the Federal Housing Authority.
