CFL, a Lagos‑based construction company, has formally warned the state that a property on Victoria Island is entangled in what it calls “land title laundry”, after a rival party presented a Governor’s Consent claiming ownership. The firm handed the Lagos State Land Registry a seven‑day notice to investigate the disputed consent and resolve the title issue.
**Key facts**
- CFL bought the site, began building, and later faced a security‑guarded group asserting rights based on a Governor’s Consent.
- The company examined the paperwork, traced the earlier owners named in the documents, and found inconsistencies.
- Engr. Lai Omotola, Group Managing Director of CFL, told reporters that a Certificate of Occupancy differs from a Governor’s Consent, the latter merely reflecting government approval of a transaction and not fixing any underlying title defects.
- Omotola quoted the state’s stance that granting consent does not cure title flaws, and he urged a review of the contested consent.
- He warned that Lagos has seen repeated cases of land‑title cloning and forged Certificates of Occupancy, costing banks millions when loans default.
What is “Land Title Laundry”?
Omotola described “Land Title Laundry” as a sophisticated scheme where falsified or altered land documents are used to secure large sums of money. He said the practice builds on earlier frauds involving cloned Certificates of Occupancy, which have previously duped banks.
How did the dispute unfold?
After acquiring the Victoria Island parcel, CFL started construction. Shortly thereafter, an unidentified party arrived with security personnel, presenting a Governor’s Consent that purported to give them ownership. CFL’s review of the title history revealed that the consent did not address earlier defects, prompting the firm to raise the issue with authorities.
What actions are being taken?
CFL has submitted its concerns to the relevant Lagos agencies and is seeking a formal review of the Governor’s Consent. The firm hopes the investigation will expose any irregularities and prevent further exploitation of the land‑title system.
Omotola concluded by recalling past government actions, noting that former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode ordered the demolition of a market where forged Certificates of Occupancy were issued. He warned that despite such measures, powerful interests continue to evolve the scam into the current “Land Title Laundry” model.