Ogun Govt Moves Against Land Grabbing

Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun has signed into law, a bill prohibiting land grabbing by persons or group of individuals.

The passage of the bill has formally criminalised the act of forceful takeover of land. It now attracts a 25-year jail term without options of fine, for those who violates.

The governor signed the law in Abeokuta, in the presence of principal officers of the State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, as well as security chiefs.

Law To Position The State

Governor Amosun said in his address that the signing is in a bid to position the state as one of the fastest growing economies in the country.

He said the law would prohibit forceful entry into landed properties, violent conducts, kidnapping and other allied matters.

“The law is so critical and important to us. That is why we gathered everybody, the Police, State Security Service and exco members. It is to show the importance we attached to this law.”

“We want people to know that Ogun state will no longer be a comfort zone for criminals and criminal activities, or the so-called ‘omo-onile’, the land grabbers, who go there kill and maim innocent people. Now, the law will go after them.”

“We have said it and we are now having the enabling law to prosecute anybody who runs foul of the law. He or she will have himself or herself to blame.”

Stakeholders Commend Law

Speaker of the House of Assembly, Suraj Adekunbi, commended the move. He further expressed appreciation to everyone for their contribution.

“When the bill was sent to the House, we sat on the merit and demerit of the bill. Subsequently, we had the stakeholders meeting where everybody was invited. All of them made valuable contributions that led to the passage of the bill.”

“I believe with the signing of the bill into law, Ogun state will be better for it.”

Also, State Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, Mr Iliyasu, promised to implement it to the benefit of citizens. He described it as ‘a clarion call on criminals’.

“It is a hallmark that there is no place for them to hide in Ogun state, armed robbers, kidnappers and cultists. There is no room for them as far as Ogun state is concerned.”

“We have said it and we are ready to enforce it, they should relocate and leave Ogun state.”

“All security agencies are working together and there is so much synergy and collaboration. So we are ready to discharge our statutory duties.”