Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), alongside the family of renowned Nigerian labour leader, Dr Michael Imoudu, has rejected a ₦23 million compensation proposed by the Lagos State Government for a parcel of land said to have been taken over by the state.
The disputed land, located around Ojuelegba in Surulere, Lagos, is reportedly valued at no less than ₦250 million. According to Falana and the Imoudu family, the land was acquired by the state government for the construction of a bus terminal.
The rejection was announced during the 20th posthumous anniversary of Dr Imoudu, held on Saturday in Lagos. The event was attended by representatives of the Federal Government, labour leaders, veterans, and activists.
Speaking at the gathering, Falana explained that the compensation offer did not meet constitutional standards. He cited Section 44(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates the payment of adequate and fair compensation when private property is compulsorily acquired for public use.
Describing the ₦23 million offer as unjust, Falana disclosed that the matter has been taken to court. He also appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to personally intervene. The governor was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Afolabi Ayantayo.
Falana further suggested that the land, in collaboration with the Imoudu family and the Lagos State Government, should be used to establish a labour museum in honour of the late labour icon.
In a similar appeal, Dr Veronica Omosun-Imoudu, speaking on behalf of the family, reiterated their request for an alternative plot of land. She said the family had intended to build a Michael Imoudu Labour Museum on the Ojuelegba land before it was taken over.
According to her, the family had formally written to Governor Sanwo-Olu on November 15, 2024, requesting the allocation of another land for the proposed museum, noting that their appeal was acknowledged by the governor’s office.
She maintained that the compensation being offered was grossly inadequate for land estimated to be worth nearly ₦300 million.
