Residents and property owners in Festac Extension, 6th Avenue, Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos, have urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene in their dispute with the Federal Housing Authority. The dispute has been ongoing, with the FHA taking steps affecting their properties despite the matter being before the court. The residents seek the President's intervention to ensure the FHA respects court processes and undertakings.
An estate developer, Samuel Oladele Ahmed, spoke on behalf of the affected stakeholders, making the appeal following fresh proceedings at the Lagos State High Court. The case, Suit No. ID/13129LMW/2023, was instituted by Oba Isaac Owolabi and others against the FHA. The court proceedings revealed that the FHA had issued notices to the claimants, prompting them to approach the court for an interlocutory injunction.
The FHA had undertaken not to demolish the affected properties pending the hearing and determination of the claimants' application. However, the development has heightened concerns among affected property owners and stakeholders, who fear that actions taken while the case is pending could affect the subject matter of the dispute. Ahmed expressed concerns that government agencies should not take steps capable of undermining public confidence in the judiciary.
Ahmed urged President Tinubu to direct the FHA management to respect all subsisting court orders and undertakings. He argued that government agencies must exercise their powers within the confines of the law. The stakeholders are not opposed to the FHA exercising its statutory responsibilities but insist that it must do so within the law.
According to Ahmed, presidential intervention would not amount to interference in the judicial process but would reinforce accountability within the executive arm of government. He appealed to the President to ensure that the FHA allows the courts to determine the dispute before taking actions that could affect properties that are the subject of the pending litigation.
Ahmed emphasized that respect for court orders must remain non-negotiable, particularly for a Federal Government agency. He urged the FHA to lead by example in upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens' confidence in the justice system. The FHA's actions have raised concerns about the rule of law and the protection of property rights.
The dispute highlights the need for government agencies to respect the judicial process and the rule of law. The outcome of the case will have implications for property owners and stakeholders in Festac Extension and beyond. The President's intervention is being sought to ensure that the FHA acts in accordance with the law and respects the court's authority.
Key points
- President Bola Tinubu is being urged to intervene in the Festac property dispute.
- The Federal Housing Authority has been accused of taking steps affecting properties despite a court case being ongoing.
- The dispute highlights the need for government agencies to respect the judicial process and the rule of law.
