Popular Nigerian influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, better known as Verydarkblackman, has sparked controversy by asserting that most of the property owners whose buildings were demolished in Lagos are illegal occupants who failed to verify the legitimacy of their land purchases.
This comes in the wake of recent demolitions in Lagos.
A viral video circulating on social media shows a woman lamenting the demolition notice served on her property in Lagos State allegedly just two months after moving in.
In the video that surfaced online on Monday, the yet-to-be-identified woman cried as she recounted the ordeal.
She said, We bought that property in February, and we’ve only been there for two months. All the hard work, all the sleepless nights, everything… If you’re in Lagos, you’ll know how much property in Eti Osa costs.”
However, Otse questioned the legality of many real estate transactions in the state.
Most of all these people complaining that the government has come to demolish their building, who sold the land for you? Did you verify the land?” Verydarkblackman asked.
Drawing from personal experience, the influencer expressed empathy for those impacted by the demolitions.
I know how she feels. That’s how it happened to us in 2006. My mother had just gone to work, our house was demolished, and after it was demolished, it started raining, and we were outside with nowhere to go, so I can relate with what they are going through, he said.
However, Otse stressed the importance of due diligence in land acquisitions.
The truth is that most of you don’t verify lands, and real estate people are fond of collecting people’s money with fake lands, fake papers, and fake documents, he said.
According to him, available land is scarce in Lagos, particularly on the island. Verydarkblackman further advised prospective buyers to exercise caution and thoroughly vet any potential purchases.
Lagos is small, and it is very hard to see free land in Lagos, especially on the Island. Go and check the plan of a state before you buy land. Go and verify, he added.
While empathising with the plight of those affected, the influencer also called on the government to consider providing compensation or subsidised land alternatives to those who may have been misled by unscrupulous real estate agents.
To the government, even if this land they bought is illegal, at least there should be a form of compensation to these people. At least, the government can find land somewhere and subsidise the price of the land, Verydarkblackman said in pidgin.
Earlier in March, the controversial social media critic was arrested and after five days, he regained his freedom from police custody in Abuja.
Verydarkblackman’s release was confirmed by lawyer, Deji Adeyanju.
After five days of back and forth, we have secured VDM’s release. Thank you to everyone who made this happen especially Sowore, Kefiano & VDM’s wonderful lawyers,” Adeyanju posted on X then.
