Prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, and the family of Nigeria's foremost labour leader, the late Dr. Michael Imoudu, have publicly rejected a compensation offer of N23 million from the Lagos State government. The offer concerns a piece of land in Surulere, which the family asserts is worth no less than N250 million per plot.
Rejection Grounded in Constitutional Breach
The rejection was announced during the 20th Posthumous Anniversary of Dr. Michael Imoudu, held in Lagos on Saturday. Falana, alongside labour lawyer Femi Aborisade and the Imoudu family, stated that the offer violates constitutional provisions. Falana explicitly cited Section 44, subsection 1 of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates the payment of "just and fair" compensation for any compulsory acquisition of property.
"We rejected the offer because it is not in line with the Constitution," Falana declared. "On that basis, we have gone to court." The event was attended by federal government representatives, top labour officials, veterans, and activists.
Appeal for a Labour Museum in Imoudu's Honour
Instead of the inadequate monetary compensation, Falana and the family proposed an alternative solution. They appealed directly to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Afolabi Ayantayo.
The appeal is for the government to collaborate with the family to construct a befitting structure on the land, located around Ojuelegba in Surulere. They propose turning it into a labour museum named after the late Pa Michael Imoudu.
"It is the greatest gift we can offer after him," Falana emphasized, urging the state government to intervene.
Family Renews Call for Alternative Land Allocation
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Veronica Omosun-Imoudu, speaking on behalf of the family, renewed their appeal to Governor Sanwo-Olu. She revealed that the family's initial plan for the land was indeed to build a labour museum. However, the state government's acquisition for a public bus terminal disrupted those plans.
She stated that the government's N23 million compensation is for land they value at nearly N300 million. Dr. Omosun-Imoudu further disclosed that the family had previously submitted a written appeal to the Governor's office on November 15, 2024, requesting the allocation of an alternative parcel of land where the Michael Imoudu Labour Museum could be built.
"The state government is offering us a N23 million compensation for a land valued at almost N300 million," she said, highlighting the vast disparity between the offer and the claimed market value. The family's stance, backed by legal action, sets the stage for a continued confrontation over the valuation and purpose of the acquired property.
