Wendy R. 
Some real estate agents in Lagos State have faulted popular Nigerian singer, Yemi Alade’s criticism of the ongoing demolition exercise in the state.
The agents said though Alade’s concerns were valid, her anger was out of a lack of expertise and ignorance in the real estate business.
They emphasised the importance of having valid title documents and building approvals before erecting buildings.
On X.com, a user who uses the handle @IamEriOluwa said, “Dear Yemi Alade, your concerns are valid, and so is your anger based on the version of the story you have held as the truth. But please, walk with me. In real estate, when you buy a property, you need the title documents. Title documents are either excision, C of O, or Governor’s consent, along with registered or provisional survey receipts, deeds of assignments or agreements, court judgment, or gazette that prove the seller has the right to sell what they are selling and that what they are selling is in good standing.
“Here’s the thing: if the land sold to you is a canal or a place the government has earmarked for a particular development, legally, you don’t have a land because no one can sell what they don’t have.
“In real estate transactions, what you are buying is the right to occupy. So you can’t buy the right from a person who doesn’t have it. It’s explained with a Latin maxim that says ‘Nemo dat quod non habit,’ which means ‘no one can give what they do not have.’”
He stated that having land documents is invalid without the government’s approval.
“Although some have documents, they don’t have approvals to build. While some have approvals, they are built outside the scope of what’s permitted in their approvals. When any of these illegalities happen, governments all over the world pull down those structures. Also, if you have the title documents and approval, but the government needs to make roads, they will take the land and compensate you appropriately. You can’t stop them because you only have the right to occupy, not to own the land outright.
“The government owns the land and will use it for the collective good. Now, if you feel the government is lying about the benefits of such a project, and or is destroying property maliciously; you can contest it in court,” he said.
He added that the demolition is legal, urging the public to follow due processes when constructing buildings.
“So, what Lagos State Government is doing is the norm. This is painful, I get it, especially now that a hundred bags of cement cost N8,000. However, let’s process this pain differently into a lesson and make it gainful for all by learning how not to become the next victim,” he added.
Another agent, simply identified as Durubond said every owner of the demolished buildings was properly informed.
He added that for the government to result in demolishing any building, it must have contravened certain land or building regulations.
“I totally understand your, concerns and grievances. However, I would like to let you know that there is nobody whose property was demolished who didn’t contravene certain land or building regulations. What many people do not realise is that Lagos State is one of the most sophisticated states in terms of land regulations in Nigeria.
“Every square metre of this state has been mapped out for certain use and purpose with regulations guiding construction across all boards.
“On whether the government notified those who contravened while they were constructing their houses before demolition, he stated that there is nobody who contravened during construction that didn’t get a notice.
“In fact, they still send notifications to those of us who got all our approval so that we can do the needful. so, those people ignore it or refuse to acknowledge it or buy the land from someone who di did not know or they buy their land from developers. this is why the state government is at fault because there is a huge communication gap. Many people are not even aware of what they are supposed to do.”
On Sunday, Yemi Alade was seen in a viral video decrying the demolition of Mende Estate Villa.
She alleged that the residents were issued a two-hour notification to evacuate their houses for demolition by the state government.
This, she said would discourage those interested in investing in real estate in the state.
This, however, enraged netizens who claimed she was only chasing clout, telling her to get her facts right before slamming the state government.
punchng.com
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