Prince Yussuf Olanrewaju Olarinde of the Olarinde Royal Family in New Oguntedo Village, Satellite Town, Lagos, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over a long-running land dispute.
Olarinde alleged threats to his life, land grabbing and abuse of police powers in the community.
Prince Alleges Police Complicity
In his petition, Olarinde accused some officers of the Lagos State Police Command of failing to act fairly in the dispute.
He alleged that some officers supported people involved in attempts to take control of properties linked to the Olarinde Royal Family.
The prince said the dispute goes beyond a civil disagreement. He alleged violent invasions, attempted killings, demolitions, property destruction and intimidation.
Olarinde described the situation as an attempt to dispossess the royal family of its ancestral properties.
History of the Oguntedo Land Dispute
According to Olarinde, the Federal Military Government created and allocated New Oguntedo Village to the Olarinde Royal Family around 1978.
He said the allocation followed government acquisition and resettlement exercises at the time.
Olarinde also referred to a judgment of the High Court of Lagos State in Suit No. ID/94/88. The court delivered the judgment on July 14, 1989.
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He said the judgment affirmed the family’s ownership and possessory rights over the disputed land and properties.
The prince added that the family later obtained enforcement documents. These included Form O and warrants of possession dated January 3, 1997 and August 16, 2010.
Allegations of Land Grabbing
Despite the court judgment and subsequent enforcement processes, Olarinde alleged that some individuals and companies continued to claim the disputed properties.
He also alleged that armed thugs took part in efforts to remove members of the royal family from some properties.
According to the petition, some police officers provided protection for people involved in the disputed activities.
Olarinde further alleged that officers intimidated family members and prevented some lawful occupants from gaining access to their properties.
He accused the officers of failing to respond properly to reports of attacks.
Property Demolitions and Criminal Allegations
The petitioner also raised concerns about alleged property demolitions and unlawful occupation.
He claimed that some family properties were demolished or taken over during the dispute.
Olarinde also alleged that people took vehicles, building materials, cash, personal belongings and commercial assets belonging to members of the family.
He further claimed that some members of the royal family faced criminal allegations that he considered fabricated.
The prince described some of the resulting prosecutions as malicious.
Appeal for Police Intervention
Olarinde accused some police officers of ignoring complaints filed at Satellite Police Station and Area E Command.
He said family members had also faced difficulties when seeking police protection and intervention.
The prince warned that continued inaction could increase tension in Oguntedo Village, Satellite Town and nearby communities.
He therefore urged the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the allegations and intervene before the dispute leads to further violence or loss of life.
Olarinde said the Olarinde family would continue to pursue legal remedies.
Implications for Lagos Real Estate
The dispute also highlights the importance of secure land ownership in Lagos.
Land disputes can create uncertainty for property owners, developers and investors. They can also delay construction projects and affect confidence in the real estate market.
Clear land records, proper title documentation and effective enforcement of court decisions remain important to orderly urban development.
The allegations in the petition have not been independently established. They represent the claims of Olarinde and the Olarinde Royal Family and require investigation and responses from the police and other parties involved.
The wider significance of the case lies in the need for fair land administration and effective dispute resolution. These remain important to housing development, property investment and urban growth in Lagos.
