A gang of hoodlums believed to be working for a Lagos monarch, Oba AbdulFatai Aromire, the Ojora of Ijora has forcefully ejected many landlords and occupants of properties along Moshood Abiola Way (previously known as Apapa Road) in Iganmu Industrial Estate. Led by policemen attached to Oba Aromire, the thugs are armed with dangerous weapons and threatened to hurt anyone who attempts to enter the properties since they broke into them about six months ago.
Although several petitions have been written to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) reporting the threat to lfe, stealing, malicious damage, harassment, dislodgement and grabbing of developed property,, the victims have not received any kind of relief from law enforcers that they took their case to.
The police authorities have taken the petitioners through a vexatious merry-go-round involving deliberate delay, extortion and frustration. The case was referred from the IGP to the AIG Zone 2, who ended up not doing anything and was in truth working with the Ojora.
Details of the harrowing travails of owners of these properties who have suffered losses estimated at over N10 billion were clearly outlined in these petitions.
The reign of terror unleashed by the Ojora of Ijora against these property owners in the Iganmu Industrial Estate-Lagos has forced many landlords to abandon their validly acquired property when they couldn’t meet the arm-twisting demands of the Natural Ruler of Ijora. Oba Aromire was said to have boasted that he has successfully wrested land from many owners including the Delta State Government, even as his agents continue hounding other property owners in that area.
These thoroughly traumatized property owners have lamented their frustration at dealing with Oba Aromire who carries out these brazen acts of criminality with tacit support from officers and men of the Nigeria Police. Oba Fatai Aromire reportedly keeps asking for money for ratification, giving the impression that an amicable resolution could be reached. Suddenly, he sprung a surprise by invading the estate with area boys and the police.
One of the devastated and overpowered property owners traced the beginning of the brigandage by the Ojora. “He started by asking for N2 billion. However, we have discovered unassailable evidence that he has no claim whatsoever to these properties,. While we were discussing, he decided to invade our property.”
Phone calls, SMS and WhatsApp messages to ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Public Relations Officer for verification were not answered as at press time.
Some of these property owners have taken their case to the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, which has the good reputation of wielding the big stick on lawless natural rulers in the state by whipping them back into line.
The Ojora has reportedly boasted that he has an overriding influence on land in Lagos that is far beyond the powers of the Oba of Lagos and the state government. While the Police has tactfully joined Oba Aromire in the shameful acts of persecuting helpless, law abiding citizens, many interested parties are watching keenly to see how the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs will react to this daylight robbery.