Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, and the family of labour icon Dr Michael Imoudu have rejected the N23 million compensation offered by Lagos State Government for land allegedly acquired without fair pay, insisting the amount is far below the property’s true value.
Gatekeepers News reports that they made this position known during the 20th posthumous anniversary of Dr Imoudu in Lagos, where senior government officials, labour leaders, and activists were present.
The disputed parcel, located around Ojuelegba in Surulere, was reportedly taken over by the Lagos State Government for public use, including plans for a bus terminal.
Falana, alongside fellow rights lawyer Femi Aborisade, argued that the compensation figure is inconsistent with Section 44(1) of the Constitution, which mandates just and fair compensation for compulsory acquisition of private property. He added that legal action has already been initiated to challenge the offer.
Falana urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented at the ceremony by the Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Afolabi Ayantayo, to intervene and ensure the matter is resolved fairly.
He also proposed that the land be used to establish a labour museum in honour of Pa Michael Imoudu, describing such a gesture as a fitting tribute to the late labour leader.
Falana said, “We have taken this occasion for the Lagos state government, since they are represented in this hall, to intervene in this matter. For the government, together with the family, to put up a befitting structure in the name of Michael Imoudu to turn it into a labour museum. It is the greatest gift we can offer after him.”
Dr Veronica Omosun-Imoudu, speaking on behalf of the Imoudu family, echoed the call for alternative land allocation. She noted that the family’s earlier written appeal to Governor Sanwo-Olu, received in his office on November 15, 2024, requested that land of equivalent value be provided for the intended museum project.
According to reports, property values in the Ojuelegba area have risen sharply in recent years, with similar plots estimated well above N250 million to N300 million, making the government’s offer seem grossly inadequate to many observers.
Local legal experts say such disputes over compulsory land acquisition are common in fast‑developing urban centres like Lagos and often end up in court when agreed valuations are contested.
Lagos State Government has yet to publicly revise its offer or respond to detailed valuation figures, but officials have indicated that compensation matters are being reviewed in line with legal counsel and urban planning considerations.
The Imoudu family and their legal team say they will continue to press for either fair market compensation or an alternate land grant to honour the late labour leader’s legacy.
