Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, alongside the family of Nigeria’s foremost labour icon, Dr Michael Imoudu, have rejected a compensation offer of N23 million from the Lagos State Government over a disputed parcel of land allegedly taken over by the state.
Falana, working with fellow labour and human rights advocate Femi Aborisade, made the position known during the 20th posthumous anniversary of Dr Imoudu, held at the weekend in Lagos.
The event attracted representatives of the Federal Government, senior labour leaders, trade union veterans and labour activists who gathered to honour the legacy of the late labour movement pioneer.
According to Falana and the Imoudu family, the land in question is located around Ojuelegba in Surulere and was reportedly acquired by the state government for public use, specifically for the construction of a bus terminal.
They argued, however, that the compensation offered was grossly inadequate, noting that the property is valued at not less than N250 million.
Falana explained that the offer was rejected on constitutional grounds, citing Section 44(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the payment of just and fair compensation for compulsorily acquired property.
He disclosed that the matter is already before the court, following the family’s decision to challenge the acquisition and compensation.
He appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Afolabi Ayantayo, to personally intervene in resolving the issue.
Falana proposed that the land be jointly utilised by the government and the family for a public legacy project, suggesting the establishment of a labour museum to be named after the late Dr Imoudu.
Also speaking at the event, Dr Veronica Omosun-Imoudu, during a session titled “20 Years after Pa Michael Imoudu – Personal Reflection,” reiterated the family’s appeal to the governor.
She said the Imoudu family had long intended to use the Ojuelegba property to build a labour museum in honour of their father, but were dismayed by the compensation offer, which she described as insignificant compared to the land’s estimated value of nearly N300 million.
Dr Omosun-Imoudu disclosed that the family formally wrote to Governor Sanwo-Olu on November 15, 2024, requesting the allocation of an alternative parcel of land where the proposed Michael Imoudu Labour Museum could be built.
She said the letter was acknowledged at the governor’s office, but the family is still awaiting a favourable response.
The family and their legal representatives maintained that a fair resolution would not only uphold constitutional provisions but also preserve the historical legacy of one of Nigeria’s most influential labour leaders.
Falana, Imoudu family reject N23m compensation for Lagos land takeover
