Morganable News / Communities
Residents of Fere and Oniporogun communities in Ogun State have appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene in a land dispute they fear could leave hundreds of families homeless.
Lagos —
The residents staged a protest over the alleged allocation of their ancestral land to Chinese investors. They said the proposed development could affect existing homes, buildings and other properties in the area.
The protest took place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, according to reports published on October 26. During the protest, residents called on the state government to suspend further activities on the disputed land and meet with community representatives.
However, the residents stressed that they were not against industrial development. Instead, they want the government to protect existing properties and consider the people who already live in the affected communities.
The dispute has raised concerns about land ownership, housing and the need for proper consultation before major development projects begin.
Residents Say More Than 300 Homes Are at Risk
The Acting Chairman of the Community Development Association of Fere and Oniporogun, Salau Hamid, said more than 300 residents had completed their houses or were still building on the disputed land.
He appealed to the government to consider the financial and emotional consequences of displacing these families.
For many Nigerians, owning a house requires years of hard work and careful saving. Some people spend their entire savings on land and construction. Others build gradually because they cannot afford to complete their houses at once.
Therefore, losing a property can create serious financial difficulties for an entire household.
Hamid said many residents had struggled to build their homes despite the country’s difficult economic conditions. He urged the government to prevent further damage while the dispute remained unresolved.
The concerns also extend beyond homeowners. Tenants, traders and other residents could face uncertainty if the proposed development affects their neighbourhood.
Families may have to search for alternative accommodation, pay additional transport costs or move their children to different schools.
For these reasons, the residents want the government to clarify the status of the land and explain how the proposed project could affect their homes.
Traditional Ruler Questions Consultation Process
The Baale of Fere, Chief Okesola Alani, said the community had been engaging the government since 2017 over its request for an extension of the village.
He expressed concern that the matter had remained unresolved despite years of engagement.
Alani also alleged that community leaders were not consulted before the disputed land was allocated. He claimed that security personnel and bulldozers arrived at the site without prior engagement with the traditional leadership.
According to him, residents had made collective efforts to develop their community. They contributed money to provide basic amenities, including electricity, while many invested their savings in purchasing land and building houses.
The traditional ruler said the community supported industrialisation but did not want existing homes destroyed in the process.
He appealed directly to Governor Abiodun to intervene and help find a solution that would allow the community and investors to coexist.
Alani also maintained that other portions of land could be considered for industrial development without displacing existing residents.
However, the claims surrounding the allocation and consultation process require clarification from the relevant authorities. The government needs to explain the status of the disputed land and the steps taken before the proposed development.
Property Owners Seek Answers
Some residents said they had obtained documents relating to their land and buildings through government processes.
One resident and landlord, Ipadeola Afeez, said several property owners possessed survey plans, ratification documents and assessment records. He added that some residents had also obtained Certificates of Occupancy.
Afeez questioned why people who believed they had followed the necessary procedures were now worried about losing their properties.
He appealed to both the state and federal governments to intervene before more residents suffered losses.
The concerns highlight the importance of clear land records and effective communication between public authorities and property owners.
When disputes arise, residents need to understand the legal status of their land and the reasons behind any proposed acquisition. They also need clear information about the procedures available to challenge decisions affecting their properties.
Where government acquisition affects existing property rights, the applicable legal requirements and compensation arrangements must also be addressed.
For the affected communities, reviewing relevant documents could help establish the facts and reduce uncertainty.
However, possessing a document does not by itself settle every possible land dispute. The relevant authorities must examine the records and explain the position under the law.
Ancestral Heritage Adds to Residents’ Fears
The residents’ concerns extend beyond the possible loss of houses and financial investments.
Afeez alleged that the proposed development also affected areas where some community members had buried their ancestors.
This has raised concerns about the possible loss of ancestral heritage and the connection between residents and their land.
For many communities, ancestral land carries historical and cultural importance. It can represent family history, traditional identity and a connection to previous generations.
Consequently, disputes involving such land may affect residents emotionally as well as financially.
The residents want the government to consider these concerns when reviewing the proposed development.
They have also called for discussions involving traditional rulers, landlords, community representatives and other relevant stakeholders.
Such engagement could help establish the boundaries of the disputed area, clarify ownership claims and identify possible solutions.
Industrial Development Must Consider Residents
Industrial projects can create employment, attract investment and support economic growth. They can also provide opportunities for small businesses and improve commercial activities in surrounding areas.
However, residents say development should not ignore the needs of people who already live in the affected communities.
For Fere and Oniporogun, the issue is how to accommodate industrial investment without putting existing homes and properties at risk.
The communities have expressed willingness to coexist with investors, provided their concerns receive proper attention.
A meeting between the government, investors, traditional leaders, landlords and community representatives could provide an opportunity to discuss the dispute.
During such a meeting, the parties could review the relevant land documents, clarify the proposed project boundaries and identify properties that may be affected.
They could also examine whether alternative land arrangements would allow the project to proceed without unnecessary displacement.
However, any solution must follow the law and consider the rights and interests of all parties.
Early consultation is particularly important in situations where development could affect homes, businesses and established communities. It gives residents an opportunity to understand proposed changes and raise concerns before tensions increase.
Government Response Remains Important
The residents have appealed to the Ogun State Government to organise an urgent meeting and address their concerns.
They want officials to explain the alleged land allocation, clarify the status of existing properties and prevent further damage while the dispute remains unresolved.
Reports published on October 26 said an attempt to obtain a response from Segun Fowora, the Special Adviser and Director-General of the Ogun State Bureau of Lands and Survey, was unsuccessful because his telephone was switched off.
Consequently, the reports reviewed did not provide a full official response to the residents’ allegations.
The government now needs to clarify the circumstances surrounding the disputed land and explain the process followed before the proposed development.
It should also address the claims made by residents who say they possess documents relating to their properties.
Clear communication would help affected families understand their position and determine the appropriate steps to protect their interests.
Meanwhile, all parties need to avoid actions that could worsen tensions while efforts to resolve the dispute continue.
Residents Await a Lasting Solution
The dispute has left residents worried about the future of their homes, properties and community.
They say they want their area to benefit from industrial development, but they also want their investments and existing homes to receive proper consideration.
The next step is for the government to establish the facts, listen to the affected residents and explain the way forward.
Community leaders and property owners can also support the process by presenting relevant documents and participating in discussions with the authorities.
A lasting solution would require transparent communication, proper consideration of property rights and compliance with the law.
For now, the residents are waiting for government intervention and clearer answers about the disputed land.
The outcome will matter to the affected families. It could also serve as a reminder that development projects need to consider existing communities, particularly when homes, livelihoods and ancestral heritage are involved.
Ultimately, economic growth and community welfare should not be treated as opposing goals.
With proper consultation and a fair resolution, the government and other stakeholders can work towards an outcome that addresses residents’ concerns while considering legitimate development plans.
