Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun on Thursday warned community leaders against involvement in land grabbing as anyone caught would be made to face the wrath of law.
Amosun gave the warning during the sensitisation workshop organised to familiarize community leaders with land laws peculiar with the state. The workshop has as its theme: ” Understanding Traditional and Statutory Laws on Ownership, Acquisition and Devolution of Land in Ogun state to Prevent Land Disputes and Inherent Criminality Therein”.
It was organised by a non governmental organisation “The Village Network Empowerment Initiative”. The governor was represented by Mr Jide Ojuko, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Amosun said that the activities of the land grabbers had discouraged investors from communities as noone would be willing to site factories or embark on developmental projects in troubled areas.
“I want to warn land grabbers operating within the state and their sponsors to stop such illegal act because the state has enacted a law to punish anyone found guilty of fraudulent conduct or forceful takeover of landed properties.
“Offenders will face the full wrath of the law henceforth. “I appeal to community leaders to always exhibit exemplary character worthy of emulation and as well educate their subjects to desist from illegal activities particularly unwholesome land deals, refrain from actions that can tarnish your names and reputations,” Amosun said.
He urged community leaders to sensitise their subjects to obtain their permanent voters cards and mobilise people to vote wisely for credible candidates of their choice.
“Please guide our youths well and advise them not to make themselves available to be misguided by any unscrupulous elements who under the guise of politics enlist youths to unleash terror on others,” he said.
Earlier, Former President Olusegun Obasanjo said that land dispute had been an issue to contend with all over the world from time immemorial.
He urged the community leaders to keep themselves abreast of the Land Use Act to enable them understand every law regarding land matters in the country. “The Land Use Act was enacted when I was the Head of State and that minimised disputes on land matters until recently.
“As community leaders you must understand that according to the Land Use Act, land belongs to the state governors who are allowed to issue every document regarding it. ‘ This workshop is a good one because it will enable you discharge your duties relating to land matters well,” he said.
Oba Olufemi Ogunleye, Towulade Akinale of Owu Kingdom, the convener of the workshop, said that the forum was organised because the community leaders had little knowledge as regards land matters.
He said that they could now resolve land matters amicably within their various communities without going to see the superior chiefs. “Before now, I observed that most of our community leaders are not able to handle some land disputes on their own because they do not know most of the laws that guide land use in the state.
“This has served as eye opener for them because we have been exposed to the role of the police and lawyers in settling land related disputes. “This has also sensitised Baales and community leaders on understanding traditional and statutory laws on ownership, devolution and acquisition of land in Ogun State.
“This is to promote peaceful living and eliminate inter personal, township conflicts and the criminality embedded in land disputes,” the Owu monarch said. Ogun State Commissioner for Justice, Dr Olumide Ayeni, who was represented by Mr A. Adewole, said violence was not the solution to land disputes and urged community leaders to engage the judicial court, mediation centres and the alternative dispute resolution centres.
“For every land dispute beyond your power, don’t hesitate to take the case to the court, the mediation centres or the alternative dispute resolution centres. “The alternative dispute resolution centres are less expensive and people can be assured of good relationships after resolve unlike the court of law. “Land dispute is inevitable, judicial intervention should be the way to go instead of engaging in violence,” he said.
Also, the state Commissioner for Police, Ahmed Illyasu, represented by Mr Charles Akinrosoye, said that the responsibility of the police was to maintain law and order.
“The police is to ensure that the judgement of any court of law was implemented and to maintain law and order. “As community leaders, know that no police official has the right to detain any suspect beyond 24 hours and search warrants should not be executed at night,” he said.
