The Executive Chairman of Odogbolu Local Government, Dr. Babatunde Diya, says his administration will not tolerate grabbers and their nefarious activities.
He issued the warning in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary,Comrade Otudero Seyi Oluwaseun.
The council boss expressed the commitment of his administration to enforce the law and creating a conducive environment for both local and international investors.
He added: Let this serve as a clear warning to all violators—the era of impunity is over.”
He hinted that his administration has taken decisive action to safeguard the property rights of Halifamous International, a company owned by a group of Nigerians based in Ireland based on the agreement with the Local Government.
His council’s action, he said, was in line with Ogun State Government’s directives on land administration and anti-land grabbing enforcement,
He said:Upon receiving a formal petition from Halifamous International, who wishes to invest heavily in Agriculture which had lawfully acquired 10 acres of land within Odogbolu Local Government Area for agriculture purposes after clearing the land, was not allowed to farm on the land by land grabbers.
“Following the findings of the committee, it was established that the said property had been encroached upon by land grabbers, in clear violation of the Ogun State Anti-Land Grabbing Law, 2016 (also known as the Property Protection Law).
“Pursuant to the enforcement powers vested in the Local Government Authority, the Chairman directed a joint enforcement operation comprising Local government officials, the Land and Boundaries Committee headed by the Vice Chairperson, Princess Victoria Olusola, Secretary to the Local Government Deacon Stanley Olunogun, General Manager, Office of the Public Private Partnership Odogbolu Local Government, Prince Adeleke Adebajo, Supervisor for Works and Housing, Hon. Oluwafemi Amusa, Director of General Services and Administration Otunba Bolujoko Micheal were supported by the Nigeria Police Force, Amotekun and Odogbolu Security team lead by Mr Taiwo Banwo, was carried out.”
According to him, during the operation, the encroached property was reclaimed, and a public notice/signpost was erected on the land.
Mr. Oluwaseun Durojaiye one of the land grabbers, who had been renting the land illegally out, he said, was issued a cease and desist order and formally warned to vacate the land.
The statement quoted that the land grabber was further notified that any continued occupation or return to the land constitutes criminal trespass and shall attract prosecution in accordance with the relevant provisions of the law.
He commended the effort of the security team for their swift response to criminality.
He added:” I call on all sons and daughters both at home and in the diaspora, that investment in Odogbolu Local Government Area is open and their investment will be safeguarded by both the state and local government.”
