Osun Monarch Warns Chiefs, Security Operatives Against Land Grabbing

• Oba Adesuyi Hastrup of Ijesaland warned chiefs and security operatives against aiding land grabbers in six local government areas.
• The warning was issued during the inauguration of an eight-member Land Matters and Chieftaincy Affairs Committee.
• The monarch reiterated a ban on land grabbing and admitted some chiefs were involved, vowing to report complicit security agents.
• The committee, chaired by Pa Ebenezer Adefalu, is tasked with addressing land and chieftaincy disputes with integrity.
• Oba Hastrup declared that unlawful activities by "Omo Onile" or others exploiting land have no place in Ijesaland, urging legal channels for disputes.

He unequivocally stated that such activities have no place in Ijesaland, explicitly prohibiting demands for unlawful payments, threats, obstruction of legitimate development, or any form of self-help.

Oba Adesuyi Hastrup, the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland in Osun State, recently issued a stern warning to his chiefs and security personnel regarding their involvement in land grabbing activities. The monarch specifically cautioned against any form of complicity in such illicit practices across the six local government areas that constitute Ijesaland. This significant declaration was made during the formal inauguration of the newly reconstituted Land Matters and Chieftaincy Affairs Committee.

The newly formed Land Matters and Chieftaincy Affairs Committee comprises eight members, with Pa Ebenezer Adefalu appointed as its chairman and Prof Kola Kazeem serving as secretary. Other distinguished members include Oba Peter Adebamigbe, Rev Abiodun Osungbohun, Mr Isaac Orolugbagbe, Prof Olu Obi, Yemisi Ariyibi, and Chief Daramola Daisi. Hon. Justice Adedotun Onibokun will lend his expertise to the committee as an honorary consultant, providing crucial legal guidance.

Before their selection, the integrity of all nominees was rigorously vetted by a separate committee led by Erelu Olusola Obada, a former Deputy Governor of Osun State, ensuring a credible and impartial body. Oba Hastrup charged the committee members to execute their responsibilities with unwavering integrity and courage, free from any fear or undue influence. He emphasized that their conduct must consistently reflect the core principles of his reign: Equality, Fairness, and Justice to All, ensuring that no individual feels marginalized or that truth is overlooked due to power imbalances.

The monarch articulated a clear and uncompromising stance against the unlawful actions of individuals known as "Omo Onile" or anyone exploiting land ownership or community authority to harass, intimidate, or extort legitimate landowners and developers. He unequivocally stated that such activities have no place in Ijesaland, explicitly prohibiting demands for unlawful payments, threats, obstruction of legitimate development, or any form of self-help. Oba Hastrup mandated that any person engaging in these prohibited acts must be reported to the appropriate authorities and dealt with according to the law.

He clarified that this directive does not negate legitimate family, communal, or customary rights, but rather distinguishes them from oppressive practices. The Owa Obokun stressed that no custom, title, family claim, or personal influence grants a license for oppression. He urged all stakeholders, including traditional rulers, chiefs, families, landowners, developers, investors, community leaders, and residents, to cooperate fully with the committee. They are expected to present facts and documents, respect lawful decisions, and refrain from escalating disputes through rumors or threats, ensuring that all matters requiring statutory or judicial intervention are channeled through the proper legal processes.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH Newspaper