Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, the leading socio‑cultural group representing the Ibibio people, has slammed the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) for demolishing and forcibly taking over its Lagos property, calling the act a grave injustice and “an insult to heritage.” The organization says the seizure was carried out without respect for the community’s cultural legacy, and it has vowed to fight the decision.
The group rejected the Lagos State Government’s compensation offer of N11 million, arguing that the property was valued at more than N250 million when it was acquired over a decade ago. In their view, the proposed sum falls far short of the asset’s real worth and fails to acknowledge the historical significance of the land.
Instead of monetary compensation, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio is demanding a replacement property of equal or greater value, insisting that only such an exchange can begin to address the harm done. They argue that a like‑for‑like swap would better reflect the true market value and the cultural importance of the site.
The organization’s stance has sparked a broader conversation about how urban development projects handle heritage properties, and they are urging both the state government and LAMATA to engage in a more equitable dialogue. Their firm position aims to protect Ibibio heritage while seeking a fair resolution that respects both the community and the city’s growth plans.
