Omo'nile Syndrome and the Challenge of Community Development in Lagos Metropolis

Abstract

This study examined the challenges posed by Omo'nile in Lagos Metropolis and
advanced suggestions for amicable coexistence with the landlords and other
stakeholders. The Land Use Decree of 1978 was perused. 20 residential landlords
were interviewed on their ownership status of the land on which they built and
their challenges with the Omo'nile. Similarly, five royal families were interviewed.
There were two self-structured instruments used to collect data and information
from members of the public: 1,550 residents of the Metropolis were randomly
selected. They completed the pre-tested self-structured instrument that contained
13 pre-coded and open-ended questions. The instrument explored information on
the challenges that individuals and families had ever had with the Omo'nile.
There was a second instrument, administered to randomly selected 55 Omo'nile.
Again, the instrument collected data and information on what prompted the
Omo'nile to foment trouble, their sponsors, etc. 5 Divisional Police Offices of the
Nigeria Police Force provided data and information on land matters, and the
Omo'nile in five years (2011 and 2015). Content analyses, tables and a plate were
used for data analyses and presentation. The work established that the Land Use
Decree had become moribund; and the presence of the Omo'niles inhibits
sustainable community development in the Metropolis. Government intervention
and declaration of laws against hooliganism must be put in place and enforced.
There may be a need to revisit the Land Use Decree. The Omo'nile must be
empowered for self-sustenance and for community development.