How to overcome 'Omo-Onile' land-related crisis in Lagos
Posted by Editor | 4 years ago | 1,860 times
Undoubtedly, getting a land in Lagos isn't as easily as it could have been envisaged. Many have faced a dilemma either to buy land from the so-called 'Omo Onile(Son of the soil) or from a reputable Real Estate Company. But the truth is, to get a land in Lagos isn't a child's play.
If you live in Lagos and you know nothing about Real Estate, you will probably know how problematic the Omonile can be.
They are often a thorn in the flesh of people who want to purchase property, and often remain troublesome long after it has changed ownership.
The fact remains that the impediment isn't a Lagos thing alone, but it's a well-known hindrance to successfully selling or holding landed property in the state. In fact, this impediment could be found in other states, but a very rampant occurence in Lagos, hence the need for urgent attention.
Many who have successfully purchased land still find it difficult to build on it, except if you settle an Omonile, then you are good to go. Not only that alone, you will have to keep at the service of the Omonile from foundation level till the completion of the building.
However the case may be, you can still avoid the 'wahala' of Omonile. Is there a way to steer clear of the difficulties Omonile brings?
Here are few steps to reduce or eliminate the menace of Omo Onile in Lagos and elsewhere in Nigeria
Do a background Research
Don't just be too desperate to get a land, do yourself a favor by researching on the land you intend to buy. Some lands have actually been leased out or been sold to someone else and still be resold to you, unknowingly, you might fall victim to this, except you have done your research and been certified by the real owner of the land.
It won't be good if you take the seller's word without even doing your own background check. This will ascertain that the land you want to buy has not been disputed. Usually, you will get good information of the land you intend buying from the locals in the area. You can as well contact any Real Estate Company close to that area. With that, you can be assured that you are gradually winning a war with the Omo Onile.
Genuine Documents
In order to be on the saver side when buying a land, it is advisable you request for a genuine land document before you agree on the terms. If you are purchasing land from a private individual or a family, it is expected of you to make sure that they're giving the original title deeds for the land. By authenticating your land documents, you put yourself in good stead to win any legal tussle that may arise from purchasing the land. But if the title deeds are incomplete or fake, it is advisable not to go ahead with the purchase.
Land Verification
Verifying a land before purchasing is of pertinent to the buyer. You can't just pay for a land without verifying who the owner is, does it belong to the government? Etc. And what if the land actually belongs to the government? Or what if the documents belong to someone other than the person or the family who wants to sell the property.
Document all transactions
For every transaction you make, ensure you document them and keep them safely for record and future purpose. If there are agreements reached along the way, be sure to have the land settler sign the document in which they are recorded (You should sign it too). Do not assent to any conditions unless and until they are put into writing. With this, you have closed some of the loopholes that land grabbers may want to exploit.
Involve a lawyer
When you have plans to get land, try to involve a lawyer. The lawyer will be in charge of any legal backup and will be monitoring the processes of the land. Even if there's any hitches along the line, the lawyer will be on the forefront to ensure everything is in place.
Working with an experienced Real Estate Lawyer will help you overcome some of the attempted extortion and Land disputation perpetuated by so-called son of the soil.
Similarly , after you might have bought land from the seller, make sure you fence it round, even when you have no intention of starting work on it immediately. This keeps out encroachers who may want to 'resell' it to other people—an all too common fraud in Lagos and elsewhere in Nigeria.
