Amid lingering controversies over land ownership in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday presented land allocation letters to 98 existing communities in Ito-Omu and surrounding areas of Sangotedo.

The governor described the initiative as a significant milestone in promoting inclusive and well-planned development across one of Lagos State’s fastest-growing regions.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony at the Ito-Omu Link Bridge in Sangotedo, Sanwo-Olu said the exercise went beyond the allocation of land, noting that it also recognised long-established communities and secured their place in the state’s future physical development plans.

He said the state government remains committed to ensuring that the rapid urbanisation of the area does not displace indigenous communities but instead incorporates them into its broader development agenda.

“As this part of Lagos continues to grow, development must not leave these communities behind.

“They must be carried along as partners in the transformation taking place around them,” the governor said.

According to him, the beneficiary communities have, for generations, contributed to the social, cultural and economic growth of the Epe axis through farming, fishing, trading and other productive activities.

Sanwo-Olu explained that the exercise followed years of consultations, which began in 2021, involving traditional rulers, Baales, chiefs, community leaders and residents. The process also included detailed site inventory surveys, mapping and the preparation of a comprehensive development plan by the Lagos State New Towns Development Authority.

He stated that the allocation letters officially recognise the communities and provide them with greater certainty as the government moves ahead with its long-term development plans for the area.

The governor added that the development blueprint would ensure the orderly integration of residential, commercial, industrial, institutional and recreational land uses while providing a framework for efficient infrastructure delivery, increased investment and improved living standards for residents.

Addressing traditional rulers and community leaders, Sanwo-Olu assured them that the government had taken time to understand their concerns, document existing settlements and incorporate their interests into the planning process.

“The letters being presented today are more than official documents. They are recognition of your place in the future we are building here and an assurance that your communities will not be forgotten,” he said.

He further disclosed that the government would continue to improve access to the communities through better road networks, drainage infrastructure and social amenities, while the proposed Ito-Omu Waterfront Jetty would boost connectivity and ease movement within the area.

The governor urged residents to continue collaborating with relevant government agencies to ensure orderly and sustainable development, adding that the presentation of the allocation letters marks the beginning of a new phase in translating planning into tangible infrastructure and economic opportunities.