Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Chief Executive Officer of Odibola Properties, Bolaji Oshobukola, has issued a firm call to property buyers, urging them to hold accountable those who sell them land or properties without having the legal right to do so, rather than directing their anger at innocent landowners or genuine developers. Oshobukola, who was speaking on the sidelines of the 2nd Business Luncheon of the Nigeria-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) in Lagos on Thursday, August 20, 2026, stressed that paying for a property does not automatically mean the buyer has a valid title.
He advised buyers to ask critical questions before purchasing property, including who is selling it, whether the person has the legal authority to sell it, and what documents they have. According to him, many buyers fall into the trap of fraudulent sellers because they fail to conduct proper due diligence. "Who is selling to you? Does the person have the legal authority to sell it? What are the documents they have? Even if you pay, it doesn't mean you have title," Oshobukola said.
The CEO further stressed that anyone who is deceived should seek accountability from the person who collected their money, adding that the fight against land grabbing should begin with holding fraudulent sellers responsible. "The person that collected your money should be the one you go after, not the land grabber," he said. "If you have the chance to chase the one who sold you the land, that's where to start from. That is the fight. Don't put the blame on the innocent landowner. That is what is happening. I think it's time people began to ask the right questions."
Oshobukola also urged people to respect legitimate ownership and allow the law to determine who has the rightful title to a property. He noted that the rise in land-related fraud cases in Nigeria is partly driven by buyers' failure to verify the credentials of sellers and the authenticity of documents presented during transactions. He also called on government agencies responsible for land registration and documentation to improve transparency and accessibility of records, to help buyers verify property ownership before committing funds.
Oshobukola's comments come amid growing concerns over land disputes, fraudulent sales and the activities of land grabbers in various parts of the country. He maintained that holding fraudulent sellers accountable would deter others from engaging in similar practices and protect the interests of genuine landowners and buyers. "The fight against land grabbing should be targeted at the sellers who defraud buyers," he said. "If you pay for a property and later discover that the seller had no legal right to it, the person who collected your money should be your focus. That is where accountability must begin."
The CEO's remarks have been widely welcomed by property industry stakeholders, who have long called for greater buyer awareness and accountability in the real estate sector. His call for buyers to take responsibility for their own due diligence serves as a reminder that in Nigeria's complex property market, a receipt is not a title, and a smile is not a guarantee.
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