A group, under the aegis of De Renaissance Patriots and the Ibeju-Lekki people, has filed a lawsuit against the Lagos State Government.
The group urges the Federal High Court in Ikoyi to compel the government to clarify Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s recent claim that he paid $100 million for 7,000 acres of land for his refinery in Ibeju-Lekki.
In July 2024, Dangote broadcast that he acquired the land from the Lagos State Government for the said amount.
However, the Ibeju-Lekki people, through their legal representatives, are demanding transparency. They want the government to confirm or deny this claim and, if true, explain how the money was used and into which account it was paid.
The De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, in collaboration with the Ibeju-Lekki Peoples Forum, filed an originating motion citing the Nigerian Constitution and the Freedom of Information Act.
They joined Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, along with four other respondents, including the Attorney General of Lagos State and the State Accountant General.
Lead counsel for the applicants, Barrister Yakubu Eleto Esq., argued that the livelihood of the Ibeju-Lekki people was disrupted by the refinery’s establishment without any compensation.
The group also recalled that former Governor Babatunde Fashola claimed the land was given freely, contradicting Dangote’s recent statement.
The case is pending judge assignment, but the group has made it clear they will pursue further legal avenues if transparency is not provided.
