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What May Change As Lagos Tenancy Bill Passes Second Reading

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The Lagos State Tenancy Bill passed its second reading during plenary this week, marking a significant step forward in the Lagos State House of Assembly’s efforts to overhaul rental housing laws.

In addition to streamlining rental agreements and dispute resolution procedures, the Lagos tenancy bill seeks to reinterpret the legal relationship between landlords, tenants, and agents.

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Titled ‘A Bill for a Law to Regulate the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in Lagos State, Including the Procedure for the Recovery of Premises and for Connected Purposes’, the proposed legislation is expected to overhaul the legal framework governing tenancy in Lagos, one of Africa’s most densely populated cities.

If passed, the Lagos tenancy bill could bring significant changes to the rental landscape, offering tenants greater clarity on their rights and protections, while also outlining responsibilities for landlords and agents in clearer terms.

One of the most notable changes proposed is the formal structuring of rent payment options, allowing tenants to choose between monthly and yearly payment plans.

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During plenary, Hon Sa’ad Olumoh, one of the lawmakers championing the bill, stressed that the bill seeks to bring sanity and structure to the often tense landlord-tenant relationship.

READ ALSO: Lagos Police Deploys 30,000 Officers For LG Polls

According to him, a key goal of the bill is to eliminate ambiguity in tenancy agreements, especially in areas relating to eviction notices, rent increment timelines, and agent responsibilities.

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The Lagos tenancy bill also introduces guidelines to prevent arbitrary eviction, providing clearer legal steps that landlords must take before recovering premises. Lawmakers believe this will protect tenants from sudden displacement and abusive practices that are currently common in the informal rental market.

Hon Aro Moshood praised the bill as timely and people-centred. He advocated for an enforcement mechanism that would discipline landlords who impose exploitative rent demands or who fail to comply with legally prescribed procedures. He argued that such measures would restore fairness and balance to the housing sector.

On his part, Hon Stephen Ogundipe echoed this sentiment, describing the bill as inclusive and comprehensive.

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He highlighted that it addresses all major aspects of tenancy—from agent engagement and rent terms to resolution of disputes—while maintaining legal fairness for all parties involved.

Hon Femi Saheed pointed out that the proposed legislation also protects landlords’ interests. He noted that it outlines landlord rights concerning tenement rates, land use charges, and other levies. More importantly, it defines the limits of tenant obligations, reducing the potential for conflict or exploitation on both sides.

READ ALSO: Lagos LG Poll: Police Re-adjust Movement Restriction

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Another key provision in the Lagos tenancy bill is the formal regulation of estate agents. Lawmakers argued that agents have often operated in a loosely regulated space, sometimes causing friction or financial loss for tenants and landlords alike. The bill aims to standardise their conduct and hold them accountable for their roles in tenancy contracts.

Hon Ajayi Oladele emphasised the bill’s role in addressing long-standing disputes often caused by estate agents.

“For the first time, all stakeholders will have a clear understanding of their legal positions,” he stated, adding that the legislation would reduce grey areas that cause frequent conflicts.

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Commending the bill’s emphasis on fairness, Hon Omolara Olumegbon pointed out that it also takes into account tenants’ financial planning needs. By offering flexibility in rent timelines—monthly or yearly—the bill ensures that tenants can choose what works best for them without fear of exploitation or sudden eviction.

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa remarked on the significance of crafting a bill that recognises the economic realities of both tenants and landlords.

READ ALSO: FG To Spend N17bn On Lagos Bridge Damaged By Fire

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He urged his colleagues to consider tenants who often rely on year-end bonuses or leave allowances to meet rent obligations.

Obasa also touched on the challenges faced by landlords, especially in the face of rising costs of building materials. He stressed the importance of rental income for many Lagosians, particularly retirees who depend on property as their primary source of livelihood.

In addition to protecting both parties, Obasa called on the government to review its housing delivery promises. He noted that an improved supply of affordable housing would ultimately ease pressure on the rental market and reduce disputes over high rent costs.

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Following a thorough discussion, the House sent the bill to the Housing Committee for additional legislative action. The committee has three weeks to evaluate the bill and report back to the House for additional consideration.

Given Lagos’s ongoing growth and population, policymakers believe that this measure might signal a shift in the state’s rental housing policies and usher in a new era of justice, transparency, and legal protection for all parties engaged in the housing system.
(TRIBUNE)

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Peter Obi’s Son, Oseloka, Speaks On Gay Allegations

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Oseloka Obi, son of the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, has responded to viral allegations linking him to homosexuality after photographs of him with London-based British-Nigerian Kent Okwesa, circulated online this week.

The pictures, which emerged on Wednesday, showed Oseloka and Okwesa sitting closely at a restaurant in the United Kingdom, sparking a wave of online speculation and gossip.

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In a detailed statement, Oseloka dismissed the rumours as malicious falsehoods driven by his father’s involvement in Nigerian politics.

He noted that while he rarely responds to such narratives, the persistence of gossip and unfounded claims made it necessary to address the matter.

READ ALSO:Jonathan, Obi Can’t Match APC’s Strength For 2027 – Mustapha Salihu

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Because of my father’s involvement in Nigerian politics, there has been a persistent curiosity and, at times, malicious obsession with me.

“I have no social media presence and no interest in maintaining one, so I rarely correct these falsehoods. But perhaps it is time I address them,” he wrote.

Oseloka stressed that the photos of him in circulation were being misrepresented, insisting they were ordinary snapshots with friends and colleagues.

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The truth is simple: Peter Obi’s son appears in photos with his friends and colleagues, nothing more. If people wish to invent otherwise, I hope they sleep soundly knowing they are spreading lies,” he added.

READ ALSO:Ex-Chadian PM Masra Jailed For Hate Speech, Xenophobia

He further emphasised that neither he nor his father is perfect, but attested to his father’s integrity and commitment to Nigeria’s future.

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My father has my vote, not because he is my father, but because he is the right man for the job. If others wish to go low, invent scandals, or attack me to wound him, they are free to do so. But we will go high, and we will continue to focus on the future of Nigeria.”

Concluding, Oseloka urged Nigerians to redirect their attention from idle gossip to the pressing socio-economic challenges facing the country.

Read the full statement below:

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FULL LIST: PenCom Bars Seven Mortgage Banks From Processing Housing Loans

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The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has barred seven Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs) from processing applications under the pension-backed equity contribution scheme for residential mortgages, citing their non-compliance with housing loan guidelines.

In a letter published on PenCom’s website, addressed to Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and Pension Fund Custodians (PFCs), the organisation instructed them to immediately stop accepting or processing equity contribution applications submitted through the affected institutions.

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The blacklisted mortgage banks are:

READ ALSO:Varsity Bars Edo IDPs From Exams Over Non-payment Of Fees

• Jigawa Savings & Loans Limited

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• FHA Mortgage Bank Limited

• Delta Trust Mortgage Bank Limited

• AG Mortgage Bank Limited

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• Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank Pic

• First Trust Mortgage Bank Limited

• Mutual Alliance Mortgage Bank Limited

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Following the cited letter, the commission instructs that PFAs, including Closed Pension Fund Administrators and Pension Fund Custodians, immediately stop accepting or processing equity contribution applications submitted by the following Primary Mortgage Banks… Please be guided,” the circular read in part.

READ ALSO:Indian Refiners Abandon Russia For Nigerian Crude, As Dangote Refinery Relies On US

Explaining the decision, PenCom’s spokesman, Ibrahim Buwai, told The PUNCH that the sanction was imposed because the affected institutions failed to generate the mortgages for which funds had been approved.

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The whole purpose of giving access to RSA holders is to enable them to own houses through mortgages,” he said. “It was discovered that some of the primary mortgage institutions were not generating mortgages. If that is the case, it means they are not complying with the regulations. That is the reason for their blacklisting.”

PenCom introduced the equity contribution for residential mortgages in September 2022, allowing Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders to withdraw up to 25 per cent of their balances to fund equity contributions for home ownership.

According to the commission, 24,582 RSA holders had accessed the scheme as of the first quarter of 2025, with disbursements totalling ₦149.84bn.

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RSA holders who submitted applications through the barred mortgage banks are now advised to reapply with other eligible PMBs. Those who have made upfront payments were urged to contact the affected institutions for the next line of action.

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VIDEO: How ‘Close Friend’ Leaked Cat Secret To Security During My House Invasion — Sunday Igboho

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Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has opened up again on the July 1, 2021 midnight invasion of his Ibadan residence by security operatives, including the Department of State Services (DSS).

Speaking during a visit to the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, at his palace in Ondo State, Igboho alleged that the attack was carried out with the intent to take his life.

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When my house was invaded, they wanted to kill me but failed. Some said my intestines were shattered, others said my leg was broken, but there was nothing of such. They fired guns at me very well, but the prayers of you my fathers on me were answered.”

According to him, the DSS operatives forcefully gained entrance into his residence and pointed a gun at his Personal Assistant so he could lead them to his room.

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Death of cat after friend’s betrayal

While recalling the invasion, Igboho said one of his trusted friends betrayed him by leaking sensitive information about his cat to the operatives.

He disclosed that the so-called ‘trusted’ friend had told the agents not to let the cat escape, which led to the security operatives killing the animal.

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When I opened the door of my room for them, they saw my cat on the bed. One of my friends that I entrusted with secret had told them not to let the cat go. So they killed the cat and wrapped it with clothes like a corpse. They destroyed everywhere in the house and killed one of my brothers alongside one other person and they left,” he narrated.

Appeal to the Olowo

Speaking at the palace of the Olowo, Igboho said his absence from the country had lasted about five years and that he was eager to return to contribute to tackling insecurity in the South-West.

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READ ALSO:JUST IN: Sunday Igboho Returns To Nigeria

“But why I came to meet you Kabiesi is that till when will I be doing that. Nigeria is my motherland. This is about five years since I’ve been chased from here. Tinubu is your son, you can convince him to free me. If not for the wanted tag on me, I would have come to Nigeria to face the insecurity facing the South-West region. I would have entered the bush and faced them,” Igboho pleaded with the monarch.

Monarch’s response
In his response, Oba Ogunoye described Igboho as a beacon of hope for his generation and future ones, urging him not to be discouraged by the challenges he has faced.

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The monarch enjoined Igboho and his supporters to remain law-abiding amid ongoing challenges.

He assured him of continued support and called for peace and cooperation across South-West communities, noting that no region can achieve sustainable development without security.
(TRIBUNE)

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