The Supreme Court on Friday held that the Federal Government lacks the right to challenge actions taken by Lagos State Government on the various landed properties it earlier held in Lagos, but has been sold.
The apex court delivered the ruling on an objection raised by the Attorney General of Lagos (for the state government) against a suit filed by Attorney General of the Federation (on behalf of the Federal Government).
The federal government had in the suit marked: SC/50/2011 challenged Lagos State Government’s exercise of ownership rights over such lands and properties by directing buyers of such properties to reapply for certificate of occupancy and regularization of consent.
Using the property at No 10 Gerrard Road, Ikoyi (also known as Trenchard Place), as example, the federal government described the Lagos government’s directive as interference with its powers over federal lands in the state, under the Land Use Act.
Lagos State filed an objection to the suit and challenged the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court to hear the case.
It also challenged plaintiff’s locus standi to institute the action.