Osun state government bans traditional ruler from land transactions

The Osun State Government has banned the traditional ruler of IleOgbo town of the state, Oba Abeeb Agbaje, from land transactions in his town following his alleged involvement in land grabbing and intimidation.

Penpushing reports that the ban was contained in a statement following the monarch’s appearance before the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Jimi Bada, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dosu Babatunde, which was the fallout of complaints by the resident of the town

The statement issued by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs said the government had received numerous reports of the royal father’s alleged land grabbing and intimidation of landowners in his community and neighbouring villages.

Penpushing further reports that the Commissioner explained that the action became necessary in order to stop the alleged action of the monarch against his people and land owners, stressing that the people of IleOgbo town, as well as Eleni and Moomu Abimbola villages, accused him(Agbaje) of unlawful conduct, which includes the forceful acquisition of land, threats and intimidation using emissaries including police officers.

The traditional ruler was also instructed to warn one of his emissaries Pince Gbadewolu Kasali, and other chiefs from engaging in the town’s land affairs and intimidation, adding that apart from numerous newspapers publications on the illegal conduct of the monarch a petitions were written against the palace.

‘Aside from numerous newspaper publications, we have received petitions against the Palace and office of the Olu of IleOgbo, HRM Oba Abeeb Adetoyese Agbaje Arowo Okunjoye II of forceful land acquisition and sales”, Babatunde said

Penpushing also reports that the commissioner said the alleged acts of the traditional ruler were affecting the integrity of the state government as people had already claimed the government was involved.

‘Most of those publications and petitions are pointing to the state government as an accomplice. Just two days ago, it was boldly written on the front page of The Guardian Newspaper ‘helpless people seeking government intervention’, he noted.

‘To sustain the integrity of our government and ensure a peaceful atmosphere in IleOgbo and adjoining villages, the Olu of Ileogbo should stop engaging in land transactions in whatever form within the Ayedire local government pending our investigation’, the commissioner stated.

‘We have set up a committee to investigate and come up with report and recommendations. The warning should be respected. Anyone whose land has been taken unjustly or forcefully should not hesitate to get across to the Osun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs,” the statement added.

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