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Stop expatriate from claiming Topo Island, monarch begs Sanwo-Olu
The Chief of Topo, a suburban area in Badagry, Lagos State, Chief Oluwadami Avoseh, has urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State to step in and prevent an expatriate from asserting ownership of Topo Island, their ancestral land.
Avoseh addressed reporters yesterday, highlighting the significance of the island to their community. He explained that Topo Island, where their coconut trees grow, has been part of their heritage for generations. The island was initially leased to the Catholic Church in the 18th century for a period of 90 years. This arrangement was sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding between their ancestors and the missionaries. The Roman Catholic missionaries planted the first coconut trees on the island in 1845.
Although the lease expired long ago, Avoseh revealed that an expatriate, Satish Sterling, is currently making claims of ownership. Emphasizing that they have not transferred ownership to anyone since the expiration of the lease, Avoseh stressed that the island is now an integral part of their cultural and tourism landscape.
Avoseh called on Governor Sanwo-Olu to intervene and address the situation, asserting that Topo Island continues to belong to the people of Topo Kingdom. He expressed the community's adamant stance against allowing anyone to wrongfully claim what rightfully belongs to them.