By Dickson Omobola

Residents of Moore Road Estate/Ibikunle CDA in Yaba, Lagos, have expressed concerns over what they described as an attempt by an unknown developer to encroach on a parcel of land originally designated as a playing ground and car park within the estate.

The residents are calling on relevant authorities to intervene and clarify the ownership and status of the land to prevent a possible breakdown of law and order.

Chairman of the Moore Road Estate Area CDA, Mr Mobolaji Campbell, said the disputed land was originally earmarked for recreational purposes when the estate was redeveloped.

He said: “This place was designated as a playing ground when the estate was rebuilt. But suddenly, we started hearing claims that it had been sold.”

He noted that community leaders have taken the matter to the appropriate government authorities to prevent tensions from escalating.

He said: “We have gone to report the issue because we do not want this matter to degenerate. Some people even suggested removing the transformer there and replacing it with a smaller one, which is unacceptable to residents.”

He recalled that in the past, a government agency attempted to illegally occupy the parking area in 2007 by commencing the construction of a two-storey lock-up shop complex on the land originally designated for parking and recreation

According to him, the relevant authority halted the construction after considering that the action was taken without community consultation, adherence to planning regulations, and in direct violation of the approved master plan.

He said: “Government queried and disapproved the construction, affirming our position that the land use was inconsistent with the master plan.”

He called on the relevant authorities to intervene, saying the unknown developer has become a torn on the flesh of the residents.

Henry Udogu, a resident, said the forceful encroachment by the unknown developer to redesign the parking and recreational area belonging to block A to residential building violates the original master plan of the federal ministry of works and housing.

According to him, in 1997, the federal government built five blocks of flats, predominantly one-bedroom units, with a few two-bedroom apartments included, and each block was designed with its own dedicated parking and recreational area.

“It is unacceptable that an area explicitly allocated for parking and recreational use could be unilaterally redesignated by the same ministry that agreed to the original plan. We are therefore compelled to inform the Nigerian public and call for urgent intervention,” he said.

Ajiboye Oladoja, a resident added that the disputed land was acquired by the residents after an out-of-court settlement many years ago.

“At the time, the residents challenged the attempted displacement in court, after which a settlement was reached. As part of the resolution, the disputed land was preserved for the benefit of the community,” he said.

He said the recent encroachment by an unknown developer threatens the peace and stability of the residents of the community.

“However, to the utmost surprise and concern of the residents, the land has once again been encroached upon by unidentified individuals. These persons are reportedly attempting to remove the electricity transformer that supplies power to the entire community and its surrounding areas, with indications that the land may be converted into blocks of flats,” he said.