Forceful eviction of Otodo Gbame, Lagos waterfront settlers wrong – Court rules
A Lagos State High Court, on Wednesday, ruled that the Lagos State Government was unjust in its forceful eviction of Otodo Gbame waterfront settlers.
The court held the position that the Ambode-led government made no alternative provision for the settlers before ordering the eviction.
At least 33 waterfront settlers were favoured by Justice Surajudeen Onigbanjo’s ruling on Wednesday.
The judge has ordered both parties to begin talks on how to resolve the relocation of the residents.
“The land occupied by the applicants is under the control and the management of the executive governor of the state,” Justice Onigbanjo held.
“From the affidavit evidence made available to me, the applicants never claimed ownership of the land, but have over the years settled on the land. It will be wrong for them to be forcibly evicted from a place they have been in for several years.
“The respondents’ failure to provide alternative settlements before embarking on the forcible eviction of the applicants is unconstitutional.
“Both parties are hereby ordered to carry out proper consultation on how to resolve the relocation of the applicants.
“The respondents are hereby restrained from further carrying out evictions of the applicants from the settlements, if alternative settlements are not made available,” he added.
