The Department of State Services. DSS, in Lagos State Thursday reportedly invited Comrade Jamiu Olayinka, a convener of the Ibeju-Lekki Peoples Forum, for an impromptu meeting.
Olayinka, who was at work when the call came in, was instructed to appear at the DSS office by 10:00 a.m.
After consulting with his legal team and members of the Forum, Olayinka proceeded to the DSS office, where he met with an officer who identified himself as the Director of DSS for Ibeju-Lekki Local Government. Although Olayinka was not detained, concerns were raised by his colleagues before the meeting, suspecting that the invitation may be connected with a suit filed against the Lagos State Government on the Dangote Refinery.
The Ibeju-Lekki Peoples Forum is part of a legal battle concerning a $100 million payment by Dangote Refinery to the Lagos State Government. The Forum claims that the land belonging to the local natives was taken without compensation and falsely presented as being given freely for the refinery’s construction nearly nine years ago.
Olayinka confirmed their suspicions after his meeting, stating that the DSS questioned him about the case. “I told them we are not backing down,” he said. He emphasized his group’s legal right to pursue the lawsuit and showed the DSS his organization’s registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
“They are trying to intimidate us, but we will not yield to any pressure,” Olayinka told his supporters.
Meanwhile, the law firm representing the Ibeju-Lekki Peoples Forum, Yakubu Eleto Chambers has raised concerns that the Lagos State Government is using the DSS to intimidate those involved in the lawsuit, rather than addressing the core issues raised by the community.
The firm’s principal partner, Barrister Yakubu Eleto said the case stems from a Freedom of Information request made by De Renaissance Patriots Foundation on July 27, 2024, seeking clarity from Governor Sanwo-Olu regarding the $100 million payment by Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
The FOI Act requires a response within seven days but after receiving no reply, the Foundation opted for a legal action to compel the government to provide the requested information.
Eleto said rather than engage with the legal process, the government is attempting to pressure the natives through the DSS.
“We will not accept any efforts to cut off the natives from seeking justice,” Eleto stated, urging the Lagos State Government to respect the rule of law and face the case in court.
