Stakeholders in Nigeria’s real estate sector have condemned the demolition of about 50 buildings in a Lagos community by suspected land grabbers popularly known as Omo Onile.
The incident occurred in the Surulere community of Amikanle, near the Command area in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, leaving several homeowners counting heavy losses.
Residents said the suspected thugs invaded the area on January 27, 2026, demanding payments ranging from N15 million to N25 million from property owners.
According to eyewitness accounts, houses belonging to residents who failed to meet the demands were subsequently demolished.
Real estate stakeholders react
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Oikus, Israel Ihaza, condemned the action and called for greater transparency, structure and proper documentation in the real estate sector.
He described the incident as disturbing and harmful to the credibility of the property market in Lagos.
“It’s sad how some individuals continue to bastardise government authority and existing regulatory structures to carry out illegal activities. Incidents like this are deeply troubling for everyone who believes in the rule of law and the future of real estate in Lagos,” Ihaza said.
He explained that unclear ownership records, weak enforcement and fragmented property visibility often create opportunities for such abuses.
Calls for stronger regulation
Ihaza noted that the government is working toward strengthening systems within the sector through digital oversight and regulatory enforcement.
He added that efforts are ongoing to professionalise the real estate sector, digitise land records and improve accountability across the property value chain.
According to him, the persistent activities of Omo Onile have remained a structural challenge within the Lagos property market for years.
He stressed that the demolition of residential buildings has severe consequences beyond the physical structures.
“When a house is demolished, the loss goes far beyond bricks and mortar. It involves life savings, retirement plans, children’s education and family stability,” he said.
Legal concerns and financial losses
Also speaking, legal counsel to the Project Affected Persons within the 150-metre setback of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sola Enitan, said demolition has increasingly become a method of extortion in parts of Nigeria, particularly in Lagos.
He urged affected homeowners to pursue legal action and defend their property rights.
Enitan estimated that the financial impact of such demolitions has been enormous.
According to him, at least 52 demolished buildings valued at about N50 million each would amount to roughly N2.6 billion in losses.
He warned that such incidents could discourage investors and developers from committing funds to housing projects.
Real estate analysts say the continued activities of land grabbers pose a serious threat to housing development and investor confidence in Lagos State.
