When buying land in Lagos, Nigeria, dealing with Omonile—land speculators or local “land owners” who often engage in questionable practices—can be a serious challenge for property buyers. These individuals or groups may claim ownership over land they don’t legally own, selling or leasing it to unsuspecting buyers, which can lead to financial loss, disputes, and even legal battles. However, with proper preparation, research, and vigilance, you can protect yourself from omonile, and make safer, smarter property investments.
This guide will help you understand how to handle Omonile demands and navigate the property-buying process in Lagos effectively.
How to Protect Yourself From Omonile
1. Conduct Comprehensive Research
Taking time to fully investigate a property before purchasing is crucial in Lagos, especially when dealing with Omonile, and it helps you avoid fraudulent land deals. Here’s how:
a. Hire a Certified Surveyor:
Work with a registered surveyor to confirm the land’s size, boundaries, and any encumbrances, such as government acquisition. Surveyors can detect land fraud by matching land survey plans with official records to verify the seller’s claims and helping you avert fraudulent land deals.
b. Verify Ownership and Title Documents:
Ask for documentation like a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), Governor’s Consent, or other ownership proof from the seller. Take these to the Lagos State Land Bureau for validation. This is critical to confirm that the person selling the land has genuine ownership or authority to sell.
c. Research the Land’s Legal History:
Investigate the history of the land, including past ownership, previous sales, and any ongoing legal disputes, or use a legal checklist to research the land’s history. If the land has a contentious history or has been involved in multiple sales, it may be a red flag. Researching the history of land is one of the legal steps for buying property in Lagos and Nigeria at large.
d. Visit the Land and Engage the Community:
Physically inspect the land with the seller and speak to neighboring landowners or residents. Locals often know about disputed properties or Omonile claims in the area and can provide insights that aren’t documented.
2. Work with a Specialized Real Estate Lawyer
In Lagos, real estate transactions are complex, and having an experienced lawyer is essential to avoid costly mistakes.
a. Hire a Real Estate Lawyer with Local Knowledge:
Choose a lawyer well-versed in Lagos property law. They can guide you through the documentation, validate legal aspects, and spot potential red flags in ownership claims.
b. Thoroughly Review All Contracts and Agreements:
Ensure every agreement or contract is transparent, comprehensive, and free from ambiguities. A real estate lawyer can draft or review these documents to secure your interests and reduce the risk of loopholes that Omonile could exploit. It will also eliminate the risk of dealing with land speculators.
c. Educate Yourself on Key Land Laws in Lagos:
Understanding Lagos State land laws, especially the Land Use Act, helps you recognize your rights as a buyer. You’ll also be able to identify any legal oversights and avoid violating local regulations.
d. Register Your Land:
Upon purchase, register the property with the Lagos State government. This makes your ownership official and helps avoid future challenges, as your title will be recorded in government records, offering you stronger legal protection against Omonile claims.
3. Engage and Build Relationships with the Local Community
Gaining local acceptance and establishing a positive relationship with community members can be beneficial, especially where Omonile are present.
a. Connect with Community Leaders and Influencers:
Meeting with local chiefs or community heads can ease your entry into the area. These leaders often have knowledge of local land disputes and can provide valuable insights or even offer protection against Omonile interference.
b. Involve the Community in Your Plans:
Show the community how your project can benefit them, such as job creation, local business support, or infrastructure improvement. This can help you gain their goodwill and discourage Omonile harassment.
c. Include Community Representatives in Negotiations:
Having community leaders or representatives present during land negotiations adds transparency and credibility to the transaction. This can deter Omonile from disrupting your purchase and may prevent misunderstandings.
d. Demonstrate Your Commitment:
By actively participating in local events or contributing to community projects, you demonstrate a long-term commitment, fostering trust and making the community more likely to support your ownership.
Read: Consider this When Buying Land in an Area With Poor Infrastructure
4. Report Issues and Seek Assistance from Government Authorities
If you encounter fraud or harassment by Omonile, Lagos State has established measures to help you manage these issues.
a. Report Suspicious Activities:
Report any fraudulent practices to the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development. The ministry addresses land-related complaints and may help mediate disputes, especially when Omonile harassment is involved.
b. Advocate for Stricter Regulations Against Land Grabbing:
Participate in efforts to push for stronger legislation and enforcement measures against land grabbers. Many property investors and real estate bodies work to improve laws and protect buyer rights.
c. Utilize Government Programs and Land Digitization Efforts:
Engage with Lagos State’s initiatives, such as land record digitization, to ensure your ownership is recorded and accessible in government databases. This makes verification easier for both buyers and authorities.
d. Seek Government Support for Land Grabbing Cases:
In cases of severe Omonile harassment, seek assistance from the Lagos State Special Task Force on Land Grabbing. This task force addresses land fraud, illegal sales, and harassment, providing you with legal avenues for recourse.
Investing in property in Lagos is a rewarding yet challenging venture. Omonile pose a unique risk, but by following the steps in this guide, you can significantly reduce your exposure to fraudulent land deals and avoid many common pitfalls. Conduct thorough research, work with a trusted real estate lawyer, engage with the local community, and don’t hesitate to seek government support when needed. With vigilance and a strategic approach, you can navigate Lagos’s real estate market safely and make sound investments that yield long-term value.
Want to buy land in Lagos and Ogun states that has no government or Omonile interference? Want to invest long-term in property so that your children and loved ones will have their future secured? Contact us today: +234 706 119 9407 or send us an email: henry@tetahomes.com
Read: Ways to Buy Property Without the Fear of Being Scammed