Some real estate agents in Lagos State have contested the views expressed by popular Nigerian singer, Yemi Alade, regarding the recent demolition exercise in the state.
According to these agents, while acknowledging the validity of Alade’s concerns, they argue that her reaction stems from a lack of understanding of the real estate industry.
Highlighting the fundamentals of property ownership, they stressed the necessity of possessing valid title documents and building approvals prior to construction.
One commentator on X.com, identified as @IamEriOluwa, elucidated, “Dear Yemi Alade, your concerns are valid, and so is your anger based on the version of the story you have held as the truth. But please, walk with me. In real estate, when you buy a property, you need the title documents. Title documents are either excision, C of O, or Governor’s consent, along with registered or provisional survey receipts, deeds of assignments or agreements, court judgment, or gazette that prove the seller has the right to sell what they are selling and that what they are selling is in good standing.
“Here’s the thing: if the land sold to you is a canal or a place the government has earmarked for a particular development, legally, you don’t have a land because no one can sell what they don’t have.
“In real estate transactions, what you are buying is the right to occupy. So you can’t buy the right from a person who doesn’t have it. It’s explained with a Latin maxim that says ‘Nemo dat quod non habit,’ which means ‘no one can give what they do not have.’”
He further explained that possessing land documents alone is insufficient without governmental sanction, as demonstrated by the Latin maxim ‘Nemo dat quod non habet’ (No one gives what they do not have).
“Although some have documents, they don’t have approvals to build. While some have approvals, they are built outside the scope of what’s permitted in their approvals. When any of these illegalities happen, governments all over the world pull down those structures. Also, if you have the title documents and approval, but the government needs to make roads, they will take the land and compensate you appropriately. You can’t stop them because you only have the right to occupy, not to own the land outright.
“The government owns the land and will use it for the collective good. Now, if you feel the government is lying about the benefits of such a project, and or is destroying property maliciously; you can contest it in court,” he said.
“So, what Lagos State Government is doing is the norm. This is painful, I get it, especially now that a hundred bags of cement cost N8,000. However, let’s process this pain differently into a lesson and make it gainful for all by learning how not to become the next victim,” he added.
Furthermore, the agents emphasized that governmental intervention, such as demolition, is lawful when properties are erected without proper approvals or violate designated land usage regulations.
Another agent, Durubond, affirmed that every demolished structure had flouted established regulations and received prior notifications from the government.
He clarified, “Lagos State adheres to stringent land regulations, and notifications are issued to contravening parties before demolition. The misconception arises from a communication gap, as some individuals may overlook or disregard these notifications.”
Yemi Alade’s recent outcry over the demolition of Mende Estate Villa sparked controversy, with accusations of misinformation and sensationalism from online commentators.
While Alade lamented the short notice given to affected residents, arguing it could deter real estate investment, critics countered that her stance lacked factual accuracy and accused her of seeking attention without proper understanding of the situation.