Wike’s Aide Demands Proof Of Ownership Amid Land Grabbing Allegation
Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant for Public Communications and New Media to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has called on individuals claiming that their lands were illegally seized by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to provide valid proof of ownership. Olayinka also cautioned against the spread of misinformation, particularly by self-proclaimed social media activists, emphasizing the importance of verifying facts from both sides before making public allegations.
He specifically addressed a viral video concerning a plot of land in Life Camp, Gwarimpa District (Plot No. 2241, Cadastral Zone C02, Abuja). Olayinka urged anyone asserting ownership of the land to present a Right of Occupancy or a Certificate of Occupancy granted by the FCTA.
According to Olayinka, the land in question has been occupied by Paulosa Nigeria Limited under a Temporary Right of Occupancy since 1984, granted 40 years ago. The company had occupied the property for 36 years, building permanent structures and leasing them out without government approval.
On November 18, 2020, Paulosa Nigeria Limited applied to convert its temporary occupancy to a Statutory Right of Occupancy, which was approved on February 1, 2023. The approval came with conditions, including the payment of over N56 million in fees. However, Olayinka stated that the company failed to comply with these requirements for 20 months, leading to the revocation of the occupancy approval on October 10, 2024.
Olayinka explained that this series of events demonstrates that the company never legally owned the land. He likened the situation to a student who, having been offered a university admission, fails to pay the required fees and loses their place.
He also warned human rights activists not to be misled into spreading false narratives. “If individuals undertaking advocacy had conducted proper investigations, they would be better equipped to inform the public accurately,” he stated.
Olayinka criticized an individual who claimed on social media that the FCT Minister had taken someone’s land, arguing that a proper understanding of legal processes would have led to a more informed discussion.
He concluded by reiterating that allocating land for a recreational park does not grant permission to use it for purposes such as a school or church, as this would violate the terms of the allocation. He urged advocates to seek accurate information from the appropriate government agencies before disseminating claims online.
